Former Texas Guard Jordan Lee Transfers to SEC Rival South Carolina

Lee was a breakout star for the Longhorns, earning All-Region honors in the NCAA Tournament.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the uniforms of the South Carolina Gamecocks and Texas Longhorns teams.A transfer portal move that will shake up the SEC women's basketball landscape.Columbia Today

Jordan Lee, a junior guard who had a breakout season at the University of Texas, has announced that she is transferring to the University of South Carolina to play for head coach Dawn Staley. Lee was one of four Texas players to enter the transfer portal after the Longhorns' run to the Final Four.

Why it matters

Lee's transfer is a significant move within the Southeastern Conference, as she will now be playing for one of the top women's basketball programs in the country under the guidance of legendary coach Dawn Staley. Her departure is also a blow to the Texas Longhorns, who are losing a key player from their Final Four team.

The details

Lee was named to the All-Region team in the Fort Worth 3 bracket of this year's NCAA Tournament after averaging 22 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 4 steals in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. She started a career-high 38 games last season, averaging 13.2 points, 2.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from the field and 34% from 3-point range.

  • Lee entered the transfer portal after Texas' loss in the Final Four.
  • Lee announced her transfer to South Carolina on Instagram on April 17, 2026.

The players

Jordan Lee

A junior guard who had a breakout season at the University of Texas, earning All-Region honors in the NCAA Tournament before entering the transfer portal.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, who will now be coaching Jordan Lee.

Vic Schaefer

The former head coach of the University of Texas women's basketball team, under whom Lee spent the first two years of her collegiate career.

Aaliyah Crump

A Texas player who also entered the transfer portal and announced she is transferring to Duke University.

Justice Carlton

A Texas player who entered the transfer portal along with Lee and Crump.

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What they’re saying

“Feeling cocky.”

— Jordan Lee

“For me, choosing Duke University goes far beyond one sentence. The moment I connected with Kara Lawson and her coaching staff, I knew I was exactly where I belonged. Their dedication and vision for the program is truly special, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a part of it. The connection Coach Lawson and I have built is one of a kind, and I fully trust in her plan for the success of this program. I can't wait to be coached by genuine people who support my growth not only as a basketball player, but as a person as well.”

— Aaliyah Crump

What’s next

Lee will now join the South Carolina Gamecocks program and begin preparing for the 2026-27 season under head coach Dawn Staley.

The takeaway

Lee's transfer to South Carolina is a significant move within the SEC, as she joins one of the top women's basketball programs in the country. Her departure is also a blow to the Texas Longhorns, who are losing a key player from their Final Four team. The transfer portal continues to be an active part of the college basketball landscape, with players like Lee and Crump seeking new opportunities at other schools.