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Oakley Today
By the People, for the People
Texas Basketball Star Plays Through Broken Foot in Sweet 16 Loss
Jordan Pope reveals he broke his foot in previous round, but refused to sit out.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:33pm
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Texas senior Jordan Pope played 33 minutes and scored 12 points in the Longhorns' Sweet 16 loss to Purdue, despite revealing after the game that he had been playing through a completely broken foot since the second round against Gonzaga. Pope said he couldn't let the opportunity to compete on one of college basketball's biggest stages pass, even with the severe injury.
Why it matters
Pope's gutsy performance in the face of a serious injury has captured the attention of college basketball fans and media, highlighting the incredible dedication and toughness of student-athletes who are willing to push their bodies to the limit for their team and their sport.
The details
Pope suffered the complete foot break in the final minutes of Texas' second-round win over Gonzaga. However, with the help of the team's medical staff, he was able to manage the pain and swelling enough to play in the Sweet 16 matchup against Purdue. Despite the injury, Pope logged 33 minutes and scored 12 points in the narrow 79-77 loss.
- Pope suffered the foot injury in the final minutes of Texas' second-round win over Gonzaga.
- Texas lost to Purdue 79-77 in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026.
The players
Jordan Pope
A senior basketball player for the University of Texas who revealed he played through a completely broken foot in the Sweet 16 loss to Purdue.
Sean Miller
The head coach of the University of Texas men's basketball team.
Lassina Traore
A graduate forward for the University of Texas who missed the Sweet 16 game against Purdue.
Tramon Mark
A graduate guard for the University of Texas who was nursing an ankle injury going into the Sweet 16 game against Purdue.
Trey Kaufman-Renn
A player for Purdue University who scored the game-winning tip-in against Texas in the Sweet 16.
What they’re saying
“I think I can clear the air now. Five minutes left against Gonzaga [in the second round]. I broke my foot, a complete break. I'll never have this opportunity again. I couldn't let that pass. I think I would have regretted that a lot if I would have.”
— Jordan Pope, Texas Basketball Player
“The game being in San Jose added extra weight to his decision. Pope is from Oakley, California, which sits about 90 minutes away, so he had family and friends in the stands watching him compete on one of college basketball's biggest stages.”
— Yahoo Sports Reporter
What’s next
Head coach Sean Miller said the team will decide in the coming days whether Pope needs surgery to repair the broken foot.
The takeaway
Jordan Pope's gutsy performance in the Sweet 16 despite a severe foot injury has captivated college basketball fans, showcasing the incredible dedication and toughness of student-athletes who are willing to push their bodies to the limit for their team and their sport.
