A New Chapter in Austin
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball program is gearing up for its second season under head coach Sean Miller, a tenure that began with a surprising Sweet 16 run as an 11‑seed last year.
That unexpected deep run proved that Miller's system can compete with the nation's elite, and it has set high expectations for the coming campaign.
The roster, however, will look markedly different. Texas will return only two players from the previous year after losing eleven contributors to eligibility, the transfer portal, or the NBA Draft.
Among the newcomers are five transfers — David Punch from TCU, Isaiah Johnson from Colorado, Elyjah Freeman from Auburn, Amari Evans from Tennessee, and Mikey Lewis from Saint Mary's — and five freshmen, including Austin Goosby, Bo Odgen, Joe Sterling, Mantas Laurencikas and Coleman Elkins.
Retaining Matas Vokietaitis, who attracted interest from several power programs, gives the Longhorns a reliable anchor as they integrate the new pieces.
The departures of Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope, Dailyn Swain and other top scorers leave large shoes to fill, but the blend of experienced returnees and fresh talent has analysts penciling Texas into the preseason Top‑10.
If the chemistry clicks, the team could not only challenge for a conference title but also re‑establish the Longhorns as a perennial force in the SEC.