JUST IN: Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball Lands Five-Star Guard Olivia Hamlin Over Major SEC Competitors — 2026 Class Committed to Texas
The announcement, made public earlier today, has sent waves through the college basketball landscape, especially among SEC powerhouses who were heavily pursuing the elite guard.
Hamlin, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and complete guards in the 2026 high school class, chose Texas over a flurry of offers from top-tier programs, including LSU, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Her commitment marks a massive victory for Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer, who continues to build a national title contender in Austin.
The 5-foot-10 guard out of Wasatch High School in Utah has been dominating headlines since her sophomore season. With her elite ball-handling skills, high basketball IQ, and ability to score from all three levels, Hamlin is often compared to WNBA greats for her composure and floor leadership. In her junior year alone, she averaged 22.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game, leading her team deep into the state playoffs and solidifying her place among the nation’s elite.
“I felt a special connection with Coach Schaefer and the entire Texas coaching staff,” Hamlin said during her commitment announcement. “They believe in my ability not just as a player, but as a leader who can help bring a championship to Austin. I’m ready to go to work.”
Her decision comes at a time when Texas is rapidly ascending in the national rankings. The Longhorns made a strong run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament and are returning several core players. The addition of Hamlin in 2026 adds to what’s shaping up to be a powerhouse roster — one that could contend for years to come.
Recruiting analysts praise Hamlin not only for her on-court production but for her leadership and fierce competitiveness. ESPN ranks her as the No. 3 overall prospect in the class of 2026, and she is the No. 1-rated point guard. She has also been a standout on the AAU circuit, playing for the Utah Lady Prospects, where she consistently performed against top national competition.
With Hamlin’s commitment, Texas sends a clear message to the rest of women’s college basketball: the Longhorns are not just participants — they’re building a dynasty.
This commitment also reflects a growing trend of top recruits choosing programs based on coaching stability, player development, and championship vision rather than just name recognition. Hamlin’s decision underscores the respect Schaefer has garnered in the women’s basketball community and his ability to connect with the next generation of stars.
For Texas fans, this is more than just a commitment — it’s a signal that the Longhorns are serious about returning to the pinnacle of college basketball. And with Olivia Hamlin in the fold, that future looks brighter than ever.
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