Texas basketball big man Matas Vokietaitis to return for 2026-27 season

Vokietaitis, a 7-foot sophomore, was one of the top big men in the SEC last season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in mid-jump shot, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of burnt orange, navy blue, and forest green, conveying the raw energy and dynamism of the sport.Vokietaitis' return provides a steady presence in the paint for a Texas team undergoing significant roster turnover.Austin Today

Texas basketball received a major boost as 7-foot sophomore Matas Vokietaitis announced he will return to the Longhorns for the 2026-27 season. Vokietaitis emerged as one of the top big men in the SEC last year, averaging 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while starting all 36 contests. His return provides stability for a Texas squad that is losing seven of its eight NCAA Tournament rotation players to graduation and the transfer portal.

Why it matters

Vokietaitis' decision to stay at Texas is crucial for the Longhorns, who are facing significant roster turnover after a Sweet 16 appearance. As the lone returning starter, Vokietaitis will be expected to anchor the frontcourt and provide leadership for a young Texas squad looking to build on last season's success.

The details

In his first season with the Longhorns, Matas Vokietaitis had a breakout year, establishing himself as one of the top big men in the SEC. The 7-foot sophomore averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while starting all 36 contests. His return provides stability for a Texas team that is losing seven of its eight NCAA Tournament rotation players, including guards Tramon Mark, Chendall Weaver and Jordan Pope, as well as forward Dailyn Swain, who declared for the NBA draft.

  • Vokietaitis announced his decision to return to Texas on April 10, 2026.
  • The Longhorns' 2026-27 season will tip off in the fall of 2026.

The players

Matas Vokietaitis

A 7-foot sophomore who emerged as one of the top big men in the SEC last season, averaging 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Longhorns.

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Vokietaitis' decision to stay at Texas is crucial for the Longhorns, who are facing significant roster turnover after a Sweet 16 appearance.”

— Thomas Jones, Author

What’s next

Texas coach Sean Miller will look to fill the remaining roster holes through the transfer portal and incoming recruiting class as the Longhorns prepare for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Matas Vokietaitis' decision to return to Texas provides a much-needed anchor for the Longhorns' frontcourt as they look to build on last season's Sweet 16 appearance despite significant roster turnover. His presence will be crucial in guiding a young Texas squad back to the NCAA Tournament.