Dawson Battie, one of the premier frontcourt prospects in the 2027 recruiting class, is heading to Austin for an unofficial visit with the Texas Longhorns on March 7. That’s a big date circled on the calendar for Texas basketball. Battie has only scheduled two visits so far-Texas and Nebraska-which puts the Longhorns firmly in the mix for a player who’s been steadily rising up recruiting boards over the past year.
At 6'8", 210 pounds, Battie brings a rare blend of physicality and finesse to the power forward position. He’s not just a bruiser on the block-though he certainly has the strength to bang down low-he’s also developed a smooth mid-range jumper that adds a different dimension to his offensive game.
That shot could be a major weapon at the next level, especially when matched up against longer defenders. In today’s game, where versatility is king, Battie’s ability to step out and hit that 15-footer makes him a matchup problem.
Texas first offered Battie back in June, and the communication hasn’t slowed down since. The staff, led by Sean Miller, has made him a clear priority.
And there’s a family connection here, too-Battie is the nephew of former Texas Tech star and NBA first-round pick Tony Battie. That kind of pedigree doesn’t guarantee success, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
What really stands out about Battie is his combination of athleticism, scoring touch, and positional flexibility. He’s got the frame to hold his own in the paint, and there’s room to add more muscle without sacrificing mobility. That’s key for a player who projects as a potential stretch-four or even a small-ball five, depending on how his body and skill set evolve at the college level.
There’s no clear favorite in the race for his commitment just yet, but Texas knows what’s at stake. With frontcourt staples like Matas Vokietaitis, Lassina Traore, and Camden Heide eventually moving on, the Longhorns will need to reload up front. A player like Battie could be a foundational piece in that next wave.
March 7 is shaping up to be a pivotal day for both Battie and the Texas program. If the Longhorns can make a strong impression, they’ll put themselves in prime position to land one of the most talented big men in the 2027 class.