Jayla Forbes, a five‑star center who tops ESPN’s Class of 2027 rankings as the No. 2 post player, announced her commitment to the University of Texas on Wednesday, choosing the Longhorns over a slate of elite programs that included Notre Dame, UCLA, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, California and Mississippi State.
Why Texas Stood Out
Forbes cited the rigors of the Big 12 schedule, the developmental roadmap laid out by Coach Vic Schaefer, and the program’s culture as decisive factors in her decision, emphasizing that Texas offers a platform to compete at the highest level while honing her game.
A Recruit with Proven Success
The Montverde, Florida native will finish her high school career at IMG Academy, where she has already been showcasing her skills in Nike’s EYBL circuit, averaging 16.2 points and nine rebounds while shooting 64.6 % from the field. Earlier this summer she helped Team USA capture a gold medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup, adding an international accolade to her résumé.
Context and Future Impact
Her pledge marks Texas’ first verbal commitment in the 2027 recruiting class and follows the program’s recent acquisition of the nation’s top 2026 recruiting class. Building on back‑to‑back Final Four appearances, Coach Schaefer aims to leverage Forbes’s talent to push the Longhorns toward a national championship contention.
Observers expect the addition of Forbes to elevate the team’s interior presence and depth, potentially reshaping the Longhorns’ dynamics in the upcoming seasons. The commitment underscores a recruiting strategy that blends elite talent with a clear developmental philosophy, a formula that has already yielded sustained success.