Texas Longhorns Ready for First Four Rematch in Dayton

Jordan Pope, Dailyn Swain, and Tramon Mark discuss their experience and mindset ahead of the First Four matchup against NC State.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:23pm

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Texas Longhorns players Jordan Pope, Dailyn Swain, and Tramon Mark spoke to the media in Dayton, Ohio ahead of their First Four matchup against NC State. The trio discussed their previous experience playing in Dayton, the team's mindset heading into the win-or-go-home game, and the impact new head coach Rodney Miller has had in his first season.

Why it matters

The Longhorns are looking to bounce back after a late-season slump, and this First Four game represents a fresh start and opportunity to extend their season. Dailyn Swain's familiarity with the Dayton arena could provide a valuable advantage, while the team's focus on defense and effort under Coach Miller will be crucial against an NC State squad they faced earlier in the year.

The details

Jordan Pope, Dailyn Swain, and Tramon Mark all spoke about the team's mindset heading into the First Four game. Swain discussed the importance of embracing the opportunity and not dwelling on past losses, while Pope and Mark emphasized the need to play hard, get stops, and execute the little things that lead to winning. The players also praised Coach Miller's emphasis on defense, effort, and building a winning culture since taking over the program.

  • The First Four matchup between Texas and NC State will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Texas lost to Xavier in the First Four last season, a game Dailyn Swain played in as a member of the Musketeers.

The players

Jordan Pope

A veteran guard for the Texas Longhorns who has previous experience playing in the First Four.

Dailyn Swain

A Columbus, Ohio native who played in the First Four last year with Xavier and is now a key player for the Longhorns.

Tramon Mark

A versatile guard for the Texas Longhorns who is focused on playing hard and executing the team's game plan.

Rodney Miller

The first-year head coach of the Texas Longhorns who has emphasized defense, effort, and building a winning culture.

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What they’re saying

“It's a great feeling. Coach Miller talked about familiarity, like playing here before. I played here in high school. This is probably my fifth or sixth time playing here. I'm from Ohio, so I know how it feels. So I'm trying to get these guys to understand that feeling, and it's a great opportunity.”

— Dailyn Swain, Texas Longhorns Player (on3.com)

“Yeah, it's just a great opportunity ahead of us. Playing here last year, obviously we were on the losing end of that. It wasn't nice. Having that underneath my belt and just understanding the stakes and what we're playing for and how big and meaningful it is, just keeping that in mind. But it's a great opportunity.”

— Jordan Pope, Texas Longhorns Player (on3.com)

“Yeah, like Jordan said, it's a great opportunity for us. Just want to come out there and play as hard as we can, together as we can. Just do anything we can to get the win and move on and keep this dream alive for us going forward.”

— Tramon Mark, Texas Longhorns Player (on3.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Texas-NC State First Four matchup will advance to face the #1 seed in the South Region in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

The Texas Longhorns are embracing the opportunity to play in the First Four, drawing on their previous experience and the leadership of first-year coach Rodney Miller to focus on defense, effort, and execution as they look to extend their season and make a deep March Madness run.