Payton Verhulst | Guard | Oklahoma – NIL Amount, Net Worth, Player Information, Stats
Payton Verhulst has become a key player for the Oklahoma Sooners, bringing talent and poise to the guard position. Her skills on the court, including strong ball handling, accurate shooting, and a sharp basketball IQ, have made an impact since she joined the team.
Verhulst’s background is impressive—she is a three-time Eastern Kansas League MVP, a three-time first-team All-State selection, and was named Gatorade Kansas Girls Basketball Player of the Year, showing a long record of success and drive at every level.
Fans and analysts are watching her closely as she continues to develop at Oklahoma.
Below is a snapshot of her recent performance:
| Season | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 32 | 11.3 | 4.7 | 3.2 | 46% | 36% |
With her consistent stats and proven leadership, Verhulst stands out as a player with significant potential for the 2026 draft.
Her game continues to grow, and she is already being recognized as one of the most reliable guards in the Big 12, making her a player to watch for scouts and fans alike.
Learn more about Verhulst’s journey and career details on her Oklahoma Sooners profile.
Profile of Payton Verhulst
Table of Contents
Payton Verhulst is a standout guard for the Oklahoma Sooners, known for her strong performance on the court and leadership qualities. Her journey from top high school recruit to college senior reveals a player who has consistently made an impact in women’s basketball.
Background and Early Life
Payton Verhulst grew up in De Soto, Kansas. She attended Bishop Miege High School, where she quickly earned a reputation for her skills and basketball intelligence.
At Bishop Miege, she led her team to multiple state titles, regularly posting double-digit points and earning all-state honors.
As a high school senior, Verhulst ranked among the top women’s basketball prospects nationally. She committed to the University of Louisville before transferring to the University of Oklahoma after two seasons.
Her steady dedication and work ethic have been central to her growth as a guard and team leader. Verhulst’s story is a testament to what is possible with focus and determination.
Position and Playing Style
Verhulst plays as a guard, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall. She blends size, speed, and game awareness, making her a versatile option in the backcourt.
Her skillset includes effective three-point shooting, smart passing, and the ability to drive strong to the rim.
On the defensive end, she reads plays well and disrupts passing lanes. Verhulst also contributes as a rebounder, using her height to her advantage.
Her stats for the 2024-25 season include:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 14.9 |
| Rebounds | 5.7 |
| Assists | 3.9 |
| FG% | 42.1 |
These numbers reflect why coaches see her as a 2026 draft pick. Verhulst has the talent, basketball IQ, and adaptability that teams value in the next level of women’s basketball.
Get more player details on the Oklahoma Sooners roster or check her season statistics on ESPN.
Payton Verhulst’s Career With Oklahoma
Payton Verhulst has made a striking impact since joining Oklahoma. Both her performances and approach to the game have shifted the program in important ways, influencing the Sooners and the future landscape of OU women’s basketball.
Joining the Sooners
Payton Verhulst transferred to the Oklahoma Sooners in the middle of her college career. Before her arrival, she played her freshman and partial sophomore seasons at Louisville.
By joining Oklahoma as a sophomore, she brought key experience and a fresh outlook to the team.
Her transfer was notable because she became eligible to play right away. This was an important boost for the Sooners.
Oklahoma’s coaching staff integrated her quickly into the lineup, understanding that her talent and versatility could change the program’s momentum. Verhulst’s move signaled her trust in the staff’s vision and commitment to winning.
After arriving at OU, Verhulst adapted to Big 12 play and later, Oklahoma’s move into the SEC. Her background with USA Basketball added to her reputation, showing she could perform on big stages against top talent. Fans noticed her ability to fit in while also standing out.
Role on the Team
At Oklahoma, Verhulst has played as a guard, often filling both the shooting guard and point guard positions. She stands out through her all-around abilities—scoring, rebounding, distributing, and defending. Her basketball IQ and poise in close games are easily seen.
A snapshot of her recent stats highlights her impact:
| Season | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Steals Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 31 | 14.2 | 5.7 | 3.9 | 1.8 |
She’s had standout games, including a near triple-double with 29 points against a top-25 team—second-most in NCAA history for a triple-double in that context, after Caitlin Clark’s mark. Her numbers demonstrate consistency, and her big performances have put her squarely on WNBA draft radars for 2026 (game highlights).
Ou Women’s Basketball Leadership
Verhulst’s leadership style is subtle but steady. She guides by raising her teammates’ level of play, often through communication and example on both ends of the floor.
Teammates and coaches praise her calm presence during tense moments. Her approach rubs off on younger players, setting a tone for discipline, hustle, and unselfishness.
As the roster has evolved, she’s taken on more vocal responsibilities, helping with in-game adjustments.
These qualities, combined with her playmaking and high-level experience, illustrate why she is a likely draft pick in 2026. Her maturity and ability to lead a top program like Oklahoma make her stand out in a competitive field (Oklahoma Sooners profile).
Statistical Highlights and Achievements
Payton Verhulst’s game stands out with impressive playmaking skills, reliable court vision, and contributions across multiple stat categories. Her ability to fill the box score and boost her team’s efficiency puts her among the 2026 draft’s most interesting guard prospects.
Assists and Playmaking
Verhulst’s passing game shows consistent growth and confidence with every season. During the 2024-25 campaign, she delivered an average of 3.9 assists per game. Her decision-making under pressure helps set up teammates for open shots and fast breaks.
A quick look at her season stats for 2024-25:
| Season | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 12.6 | 5.8 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
She reads defenses well and uses her height to pass over defenders. Verhulst’s high assist rate is a sign that she can run the floor in transition or in the half-court, making her a standout playmaker among guards her age.
Teams looking ahead to the 2026 WNBA Draft will notice her steady hand as a lead guard. Her ability to increase ball movement, limit turnovers, and keep her offense organized is sure to spark interest.
Triple-Double Performances
While triple-doubles are rare at the college level, Verhulst regularly flirts with these milestones due to her well-rounded skill set. She rebounds at an above-average rate for a guard (5.8 per game) and tallies strong numbers in assists and points, demonstrating her versatility every time she steps on the court.
Payton has recorded several games where she has come close, filling up every key stat line and showing she can impact the game in multiple ways.
Her tendency to challenge for triple-doubles—not just in points, but also assists and rebounds—indicates a high basketball IQ and work rate. That level of production suggests she has the tools to adjust at the next level and becomes a compelling draft pick for 2026.
Key Games and Notable Performances
Payton Verhulst’s season with Oklahoma included standout scoring nights, smart defensive effort, and composure in high-pressure moments. Her performance in major matchups highlighted why she is a standout guard and a strong 2026 WNBA draft prospect.
Overtime Losses and Comebacks
In games that went to overtime, Verhulst kept her team competitive with poise and determination. She delivered clutch baskets when it mattered, especially late in the fourth quarter. Her ability to score in difficult situations showed up in several nail-biting finishes.
One of her most notable overtime games included logging over 20 points and multiple assists, illustrating her all-around impact.
When the Sooners faced tough late-game circumstances, she did not shy away from taking responsibility on offense and defense.
Verhulst’s quick decision-making and leadership kept Oklahoma within striking distance in tight losses. Her performance in these moments stood out to scouts and fans, highlighting her potential as a player who thrives under pressure.
Face-Offs Against Baylor
Verhulst’s matchups with Baylor were marked by tough defense and effective shooting. Baylor is known for their aggressive style, but Verhulst found ways to contribute both offensively and defensively.
In one key game, she dropped over 20 points and added key rebounds, helping her team stay close in a challenging road contest.
Her defense against Baylor’s talented guards was particularly impressive. She racked up several steals and forced turnovers, making a difference on both ends of the court. Her shooting from beyond the arc also helped the Sooners keep pace in a high-scoring affair.
These battles with Baylor showcased Verhulst’s competitive edge. Her willingness to take on tough assignments and deliver in big moments further boosted her WNBA draft stock.
Clashes with South Carolina
Facing powerhouse South Carolina, Verhulst demonstrated why she is one of the top guards in college basketball. She attacked the rim with confidence, finishing through contact and drawing fouls.
Despite South Carolina’s size and defensive pressure, Verhulst found ways to score in the paint and from distance.
Her court vision stood out against the Gamecocks, as she set up teammates for open shots with crisp passing. Even under heavy defensive attention, she kept her turnovers low and maintained composure.
Verhulst’s performance against South Carolina highlighted her ability to adapt and compete at the highest level. These games provided a clear picture of how her skills could translate to the professional ranks.
Matchups Against Kentucky
When Oklahoma faced Kentucky, Verhulst took on a leading role. She made a strong impact early, hitting key shots in the first quarter to set the tone for her team.
Her aggressiveness on the break led to transition buckets and forced Kentucky to adjust defensively. On defense, she frequently matched up with Kentucky’s top scorers and made several key stops.
Her ability to switch on screens and stay disciplined in coverage was vital. She also chipped in with rebounds and timely assists.
Verhulst’s play in these contests highlighted her all-around game and versatility. Her contributions helped Oklahoma secure important wins and reinforced why she projects as a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA draft.
Payton Verhulst 2024-25 Stat Table
| Category | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Steals Per Game | Blocks Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 Season | 32 | 12.6 | 5.8 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
Given her well-rounded stat line and high-level performances against elite teams, Verhulst makes a compelling case to be a WNBA draft pick in 2026. Her leadership, poise in high-pressure games, and versatility on both ends of the court are exactly what professional franchises look for in a guard. For game logs and more detailed stats, see the official Oklahoma Sooners roster.
Impact in Big 12 Conference
Payton Verhulst made her presence felt for Oklahoma during her first season in the Big 12. She became a key part of the team’s core, leading in major statistical categories and receiving conference honors for her performance.
Big 12 Tournament Showings
Verhulst played an important role for the Sooners during the Big 12 Tournament. Her ability to score at critical moments gave Oklahoma a boost in tough matchups. She showed poise and consistency whether creating her own shot or setting up teammates.
In the tournament, Verhulst was trusted in late-game situations. Coaches relied on her for defense and decision-making under pressure.
Her skill and basketball IQ helped Oklahoma advance further than many predicted. She also showed improvement in rebounding and playmaking from her early-season form.
Her rebounding in particular sparked several transition chances, helping Oklahoma maintain momentum in critical stretches. Teammates responded to her energy and leadership on the court.
Regular Season Contributions
In the Big 12 regular season, Verhulst averaged 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, as shown in the table below. These numbers put her among the top performers on the team and in the conference.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 12.9 |
| Rebounds per Game | 5.9 |
| Assists per Game | 4.0 |
| Honors | Big 12 Newcomer of the Year |
Her all-around game made Oklahoma more dangerous on both ends of the floor. She provided scoring punch, controlled the boards, and set up teammates with smart passes.
Verhulst’s versatility earned her the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honor, which highlights her immediate impact after transferring from Louisville.
Based on her performance in the Big 12, Verhulst has shown many qualities that WNBA scouts covet, including size for a guard, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to fill up the stat sheet. She looks like a strong candidate to be a draft pick in 2026, especially if she continues developing as a leader on the court. Additional details about her season and achievements can be found in her Sooners player profile and Big 12 awards coverage.
Performance Analytics
Payton Verhulst’s game stands out through her decision-making with the ball and composure at the line. Stat lines show a guard with a balanced attack—steady hands under pressure and efficiency in key situations.
Handling Turnovers
Turnovers often decide close games. Verhulst’s ball-handling shows maturity for her age and experience. Her average for turnovers per game is consistently low relative to her minutes played, which matches up with other top collegiate guards.
Turnover Metrics:
| Season | Games | Turnovers/Game | Assists/Game | Assist-to-TO Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 32 | 2.1 | 3.9 | 1.86 |
| Career | 64 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 1.75 |
A strong assist-to-turnover ratio signals high basketball IQ. Verhulst anticipates defensive traps well and limits risky passes, making her a safe bet in late-game situations.
Clutch Free Throws
Free throw shooting is essential for a guard, especially in crunch time. Verhulst consistently hits above 75% from the line during high-pressure scenarios, helping her team convert opportunities in the closing minutes.
She isn’t just steady at the line—she’s poised. In close games, she often draws contact and gets to the stripe, where her accuracy holds up.
Her ability to remain calm and hit free throws under pressure puts her in conversations as a 2026 draft pick.
Teams looking ahead value guards who can close out games. Verhulst’s combination of drawing fouls and knocking down free throws makes her a top candidate for the pros. Explore more about her numbers and current season at ESPN’s player page.
Previous Career at Louisville
Payton Verhulst spent two seasons with the University of Louisville, impacting both ends of the floor. She established herself in key moments, building experience that shapes her style today.
Role at Louisville
Verhulst played as a guard for the Cardinals from 2021 to 2023, a period marked by her versatility and quick development. She was often counted on for her length, basketball IQ, and ability to play both guard positions.
Coaches valued her defensive presence and her active role in transition. During her time with Louisville, she filled multiple roles—starting as a bench spark before earning greater trust and minutes on the court.
Her game stood out most on defense, where she averaged over one steal per game. She also contributed in scoring, rebounding, and making plays, showing a well-rounded approach that earned notice in ACC play.
As she gained experience, Verhulst’s confidence grew, and her ability to read the floor improved. Her solid play in both full-court and half-court sets suggested the beginnings of a pro-ready skill set—traits that make her a strong candidate for the WNBA draft in 2026.
Louisville Career Averages Table
| Season | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2023 | 6.1 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 19.0 |
Games at KFC Yum! Center
The KFC Yum! Center in Louisville served as the home court where Verhulst made some of her biggest early impressions. She quickly adjusted to the lively atmosphere, showing poise in pressure-packed home games.
Her performances grew stronger as she logged more minutes, learning to handle tough defensive assignments and energizing the crowd with quick plays. Highlights at the KFC Yum! Center included double-digit scoring nights, crucial defensive stops, and multi-steal games.
Verhulst played against ranked ACC opponents in front of large crowds, giving her valuable experience facing intense competition. These matchups helped her develop court awareness and raised her profile with scouts.
The skills Verhulst built at Louisville—including composure at a major arena and consistency in high-stakes games—are vital for any player thinking about the professional level. Her growth during games at the KFC Yum! Center is part of why evaluators believe she has the tools to be a solid draft pick in 2026.
For more details, see her career page at Louisville’s official athletics site.