Texas Women’s Basketball Faces Major Roster Changes After Key Transfers
Well, here we are. In a surprising twist, the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team is staring down a pretty major roster shake-up. Just weeks after making their second straight Final Four, several key players have jumped into the transfer portal.
Coach Vic Schaefer now faces the tough job of piecing together a team that had sky-high expectations for next season. Still, the Longhorns aren’t exactly starting from scratch, thanks to three-time All-American Madison Booker and a strong recruiting class coming in.
Let’s look at what’s going on with these departures, how it’s shaking up the team, and, honestly, what might be next for Texas women’s basketball.
Key Departures: A Roster in Flux
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Texas was already bracing to lose some big contributors. Starting point guard Rori Harmon, center Kyla Oldacre, and reserve forward Teya Sidberry were all set to move on due to expired eligibility.
But then the transfer portal opened. Three more pivotal players decided to leave, and suddenly the situation felt a lot more urgent.
Jordan Lee: A Major Loss
Sophomore Jordan Lee, the team’s second-leading scorer and their best 3-point shooter, was one of the first to announce she was out. Lee started 38 games last season and put up 13.2 points per game. That’s not a small hole to fill.
Aaliyah Crump: Potential Unfulfilled
Aaliyah Crump, who came in as a top national recruit for 2025, has also entered the portal. Even though she missed 15 games with a foot injury, she still managed to play in 24 and averaged 7.9 points.
Her exit takes away a chunk of the team’s future upside.
Justice Carlton: Consistency Issues
Sophomore Justice Carlton, who could look brilliant one night and then disappear the next, is also gone. She started 28 games and averaged 8.5 points.
Carlton said on social media that leaving wasn’t her original plan, but she hinted at circumstances behind the scenes that made it necessary. She didn’t get into specifics.
Aaliyah Moore: An Unfortunate Exit
And then there’s Aaliyah Moore. She missed all of last season with an injury, and now she’s leaving too.
Her departure just makes the roster puzzle even trickier for Schaefer.
Vic Schaefer’s Coaching Style Under Scrutiny
Coach Vic Schaefer has a reputation for being really tough on his players. After a rough 18-point loss in Nashville on February 12, he didn’t hold back, calling his team “probably the softest team I’ve had in years.”
Oddly enough, that public call-out seemed to light a fire. The Longhorns didn’t lose again until the Final Four.
Player Reactions
Some players, like Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, said the team actually responded well to Schaefer’s criticism. Still, with so many players heading out, you have to wonder if his hard-nosed style is starting to wear thin when it comes to keeping talent around and morale up.
Future Prospects: A Silver Lining
Even with all these losses, Texas isn’t totally rebuilding from the ground up. Madison Booker, who’s been an All-American three times, is still here holding things together.
Schaefer also managed to lock down one of the country’s best recruiting classes. The group includes guard Addison Bjorn and forward Brihanna Crittendon, both of whom come with a lot of hype.
Incoming Talent
The new recruits are expected to help right away. Addison Bjorn brings versatility as a guard, while Brihanna Crittendon adds energy and skill at forward.
With so much change, these two could be huge for Texas’s chances next season.
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Building Around Madison Booker
Madison Booker’s leadership and talent will be front and center as the Longhorns try to regroup. She’s the kind of player you want around when you’re in transition—steady, experienced, and just really good at what she does.
Conclusion: A Challenging Road Ahead
The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team stands at a crossroads. Key players have left through the transfer portal, and Coach Vic Schaefer faces a tough situation.
Madison Booker is still in the lineup, which gives the team a solid foundation. There’s also some excitement about the highly ranked incoming recruiting class.
Schaefer’s coaching style is famously demanding. It’ll really get tested as he tries to bring in new talent and keep the team competitive.
For more details on the recent developments in Texas women’s basketball, you can read the full article on Texas Exodus as Women’s Final Four Team Sees Key Players Hit Transfer Portal.