Way-Too-Early Rankings Place the Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball Team Among the Top Three

The excitement surrounding the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball program is palpable as the 2025 season approaches. As the dust settles from another intense NCAA tournament and fans begin to look ahead, the Longhorns have emerged as one of the most highly ranked teams in the country—landing in the top three of several way-too-early preseason polls. This early positioning speaks volumes about the program’s upward trajectory, bolstered by strong performances in recent years, dynamic recruiting, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. In this piece, we will delve into the reasons why the Texas Longhorns find themselves among the elite teams in these early rankings, assess the talent that propels their status, and explore the broader landscape of women’s college basketball.

The Significance of Preseason Polls

Preseason rankings, especially the way-too-early ones, can often feel premature. With rosters still taking shape and coaching strategies still being finalized, it’s tempting to dismiss these rankings as speculative at best. However, for college basketball fans, they serve as a valuable indication of where teams stand in the eyes of experts and analysts. These polls generate anticipation and excitement for the upcoming season, offering a preview of which programs have the most promising outlooks based on previous performances, recruiting, and coaching stability.

In the case of the Texas Longhorns, their ranking near the top of the preseason polls reflects their consistent excellence and upward trajectory under head coach Vic Schaefer. The Longhorns have been a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and despite facing stiff competition in the highly competitive Big 12 conference, their program continues to grow stronger each year.

The Vic Schaefer Effect

Central to Texas’ recent success has been the leadership of head coach Vic Schaefer, who has transformed the Longhorns into a national title contender. Hired in 2020, Schaefer brought with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Before joining Texas, Schaefer was the head coach at Mississippi State, where he guided the Bulldogs to two national championship games and built a program that became a constant presence in the NCAA tournament. His arrival at Texas marked the beginning of a new era, one in which defense, toughness, and unrelenting effort became the cornerstones of the Longhorns’ identity.

Schaefer’s coaching style has already had a lasting impact on the program. His teams are known for their defensive prowess, disciplined play, and the ability to perform on the biggest stages. The Longhorns have quickly become one of the most feared teams in the nation, regularly making deep tournament runs and capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.

With Schaefer at the helm, Texas has not only been a dominant force in the Big 12 but has also cemented its place as a top contender on the national stage. As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are high, and Schaefer’s leadership will be critical in helping the Longhorns achieve their ultimate goal: a national championship.

Key Players to Watch

While Schaefer’s coaching has undoubtedly been a key factor in Texas’ rise, the team’s success is also due to the exceptional talent on the roster. The Longhorns have assembled a dynamic group of players that will be crucial to their pursuit of a top-three ranking in the preseason polls. Let’s take a look at some of the key players who will likely play pivotal roles in the 2025 season.

1. Rori Harmon – Guard

Rori Harmon is one of the standout players in women’s college basketball and a significant reason for Texas’ success in recent seasons. A dynamic point guard, Harmon has the ability to control the game with her scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Known for her tenacious defense and ability to break down defenses with her quickness, Harmon has emerged as one of the most exciting players to watch in the country.

Harmon’s ability to create opportunities for herself and her teammates has made her an essential piece of the Longhorns’ puzzle. Her leadership both on and off the court has helped elevate the program to national prominence. As one of the top players in the nation, Harmon will be expected to carry a heavy load for the Longhorns in the upcoming season.

2. Taylor Jones – Forward

Another key player for the Longhorns is Taylor Jones, a versatile forward who can impact the game in various ways. Standing at 6’3”, Jones provides Texas with both size and skill. She is capable of scoring inside, but also has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down mid-range jump shots. Her rebounding ability and presence in the post make her a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court.

Jones’ versatility gives Schaefer the option to deploy her in multiple roles, whether it be as a traditional post player or a more modern stretch forward. Her well-rounded skill set will be crucial for Texas as they compete for a national championship in 2025.

3. Aaliyah Moore – Forward

Aaliyah Moore is another key player who has the potential to take the Longhorns to new heights. A former McDonald’s All-American, Moore has been a standout for Texas since her arrival on campus. She is known for her exceptional athleticism, and her ability to contribute in both the paint and on the perimeter gives Texas a multi-dimensional offensive attack.

Moore has shown flashes of brilliance during her time at Texas and will be expected to step up as one of the team’s go-to players in 2025. Her ability to dominate in the post, along with her growing outside game, makes her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

4. Deja Kelly – Guard

A key contributor for Texas in the backcourt, Deja Kelly is another player to keep an eye on. Kelly has a natural scoring ability and is capable of taking over games with her shooting. Her ability to stretch defenses with her three-point shooting makes her an integral part of the Longhorns’ offensive system.

As a strong perimeter shooter and playmaker, Kelly will provide an additional scoring threat alongside Harmon. Together, they form one of the most formidable backcourts in women’s college basketball.

Recruiting Success

In addition to the talent already on the roster, the Longhorns have excelled in recruiting, further solidifying their status as one of the top programs in the nation. Schaefer and his staff have consistently landed highly ranked recruits, and the 2025 class is no exception.

The Longhorns’ ability to attract top-tier talent from across the country has allowed them to build a deep and talented roster. Whether through the high school ranks or the transfer portal, Texas has been successful in acquiring players who can make an immediate impact. With the addition of new players, Texas is poised to continue its ascent and challenge for a national title in 2025.

A Strong Conference Presence

Texas’ success is not just due to individual talent but also to the strength of the Big 12 conference. The Longhorns are part of one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball, which serves to prepare them for the challenges they will face on the national stage. The Big 12 features several high-quality programs, including Baylor, Oklahoma, and Kansas State, all of which regularly compete for NCAA tournament spots.

This competitive conference environment forces Texas to be battle-tested week in and week out. The Longhorns’ ability to navigate the tough competition in the Big 12 gives them an edge when they face other top programs in the NCAA tournament. Their conference games are an essential part of their preparation for the national stage, and it is no surprise that Texas consistently performs well in the tournament given the rigorous schedule they face during the regular season.

The National Landscape

While Texas is poised to be one of the top teams in the country, the competition in women’s college basketball is fierce. Schools like South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn continue to be powerhouse programs, and each year there are new challengers rising through the ranks. For Texas, the key to success will be maintaining its focus and consistency as they strive to navigate the challenges presented by these elite programs.

South Carolina, with their mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, remains one of the top teams in the nation. UConn, under the leadership of Geno Auriemma, continues to reload with top-tier talent year after year. Stanford, with its strong system and depth, is also a perennial contender. However, Texas has shown that they can compete with and beat these teams, especially under Schaefer’s leadership.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Longhorns will face tough competition from these perennial powerhouses, but their combination of experienced players, excellent coaching, and an elite recruiting class puts them in an excellent position to compete for the national title.

The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team is rightfully ranked among the top three in way-too-early preseason rankings for 2025. Under the leadership of Vic Schaefer, the program has seen a meteoric rise, fueled by elite talent and a commitment to excellence. With players like Rori Harmon, Taylor Jones, Aaliyah Moore, and Deja Kelly leading the charge, Texas has the tools to make a run for the national title.

As they enter the 2025 season, the Longhorns are poised to continue their ascent in women’s college basketball, building on their strong foundation and national recognition. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen, talented newcomers, and a relentless work ethic, Texas is more than ready to face the challenges of the season ahead—and potentially claim their first national championship in decades.