As the 2025-26 basketball season wraps up with the Texas Longhorns making an unexpected run to the Sweet 16, head coach Sean Miller faces a pivotal offseason. With the NCAA transfer portal opening on April 7, the Longhorns are gearing up for some critical decisions.
Four players, including guards Jordan Pope, Tramon Mark, and Chendall Weaver, along with forward Lassina Traore, have finished their eligibility. However, the team still has eight players with eligibility left, and they're welcoming four new recruits who make up a class ranked 12th nationally.
Among those returning, junior wing Dailyn Swain and sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis are the focal points of the offseason. Swain, standing at 6’ and weighing 220 pounds, emerged as a star after transferring from Xavier.
He led Texas with averages of 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. His ability to drive, finish at the rim, and create plays was complemented by an improved three-point shot, jumping from 25 percent to 34.4 percent, while maintaining over 80 percent from the free-throw line.
Swain's shooting prowess has caught the attention of NBA scouts, placing him on draft boards as a potential lottery pick, though opinions vary. The allure of the NBA Draft, with the 14th pick guaranteeing $10 million over two years, is tempting. Even the last first-round pick secures $4.5 million, which might surpass what Texas can offer through NIL deals.
As the pre-draft process unfolds, Swain is likely to declare for the draft, seeking feedback while keeping his college eligibility. This decision will significantly impact the Longhorns' roster planning, with the withdrawal deadline set for May 27.
Meanwhile, Vokietaitis made strides after transferring from Florida Atlantic, where he was AAC Freshman of the Year. Averaging 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds, he proved to be a force in the paint, drawing fouls and getting to the line nearly eight times per game. Despite some limitations in shot-blocking and discipline, his post presence makes him invaluable.
In today’s college basketball landscape, Vokietaitis might explore the transfer portal for better compensation, posing a challenge for Miller to retain him. The relationships built with the 7’0, 255-pounder will be crucial in keeping him at Texas.
Securing both Swain and Vokietaitis, alongside incoming talents like guards Austin Goosby and Bo Odgen, would give Miller a solid foundation. The Longhorns' success in the 2026-27 season hinges on retaining these key players, making this offseason a defining moment for the program.