Lithuanian Center Matas Vokietaitis Returning to Texas Longhorns

The 7-foot, 255-pound big man will remain in Austin for his junior season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of burnt orange and white representing the Texas Longhorns.The return of the Longhorns' physical center Matas Vokietaitis solidifies the team's frontcourt for the upcoming season.Austin Today

Matas Vokietaitis, the rising junior center for the Texas Longhorns, has decided to return to the team for the 2026-27 season. Vokietaitis, a physical force in the paint, averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season and was a priority for the Longhorns to retain due to his impact on the court.

Why it matters

Vokietaitis' return is a major boost for the Longhorns' roster next season. As a 7-foot center with two years of eligibility remaining, he provides valuable size, physicality, and scoring ability in the paint. His decision to stay in Austin allows the team to build around him and the incoming 2026 recruiting class.

The details

Vokietaitis, who transferred to Texas from Florida Atlantic after his freshman season, took a significant leap forward as a sophomore. He ranked second on the team in rebounding, third in blocks, and fourth in scoring. While he struggles with foul trouble at times, Vokietaitis is known as a hard worker with strong conditioning and untapped upside that he can continue to unlock through improved discipline and skill development.

  • Vokietaitis told the Houston Chronicle last week that he was unsure if he would return to Texas.
  • On Friday, Vokietaitis' agents informed DraftExpress that he will return to the Longhorns for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Matas Vokietaitis

A 7-foot, 255-pound rising junior center for the Texas Longhorns. Vokietaitis transferred to Texas from Florida Atlantic after his freshman season and had a breakout sophomore campaign, averaging 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team. Miller and his staff made retaining Vokietaitis a priority for the 2026-27 roster.

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What they’re saying

“With the improvement Vokietaitis showed over the course of the season, and his coveted size and physicality, it's safe to say he would have been one of the most hotly pursued big men in the portal outside of Flory Bidunga.”

— Jonathan Givony, DraftExpress Analyst

“He'll draw significant NBA attention next season.”

— Jonathan Givony, DraftExpress Analyst

What’s next

With Vokietaitis' return, the Longhorns can now focus on finalizing their 2026 recruiting class and building the rest of the roster around their physical center.

The takeaway

Vokietaitis' decision to return to Texas is a major win for the Longhorns, as they retain one of the most impactful big men in college basketball. His size, scoring ability, and potential for further growth make him a valuable centerpiece for the team's 2026-27 season.