Texas Longhorns Women's Basketball Secures Top Recruits for 2026 Class

Brihanna Crittendon, a 6-foot-3 power forward from Thornton, Colorado, has committed to the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team. Crittendon, ranked as the No. 8 overall recruit in the 2026 class by ESPN and the No. 3 power forward by 247Sports, chose Texas over several prominent programs, including Tennessee, TCU, Oregon, and UCLA. She announced her decision on November 15, 2023, stating, “Texas was everything I was looking for -- the culture, the players, the staff and the environment. Add in the university's strong commitment to women's sports, and it just felt right.”

ESPN247SportsTwo star women’s basketball recruits set to join top SEC program

Crittendon had an impressive junior season at Riverdale Ridge High School, averaging 26.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Her performance during the summer with her Jason Kidd Select team further elevated her profile, showcasing her scoring ability and versatility on the court. Crittendon is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Longhorns, particularly in addressing their shooting needs and enhancing spacing in the half court.

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Following Crittendon's announcement, all eyes are on Addison Bjorn, a 6-foot-1 guard from Missouri, who is set to announce her commitment on November 16, 2023. Bjorn, ranked No. 10 in the 2026 class by ESPN, has been a standout player, helping Team USA secure victories at the U19 World Cup and the FIBA U17 World Cup. She averaged 22 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in her junior year, earning the title of Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year.

Two star women’s basketball recruits set to join top SEC program

Bjorn has narrowed her choices to Texas, Duke, Kansas, Iowa, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and UConn. A commitment from her would solidify Texas's position as a powerhouse in women's basketball, as they would then have three five-star recruits in the 2026 class, including Crittendon and No. 20 Aaliah Spaight.

Two star women’s basketball recruits set to join top SEC program

The addition of Crittendon and the potential commitment of Bjorn would significantly enhance the Texas Longhorns' roster, which is already ranked fourth in the latest AP Top 25 Poll. Under head coach Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns are aiming for continued success after making the Final Four for the first time since 2003. The recruitment of top-tier talent like Crittendon and Bjorn reflects Texas's commitment to building a competitive program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

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Crittendon expressed her excitement about joining Texas, highlighting the program's culture and commitment to women's sports. Meanwhile, Bjorn's impending decision is highly anticipated, with many analysts believing that her choice could further elevate the Longhorns' status in collegiate basketball.

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• “Texas was everything I was looking for -- the culture, the players, the staff and the environment,” — Brihanna Crittendon, Texas Women's Basketball Commit

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• “I chose Texas because it's a place that feels like a perfect fit,” — Aaliah Spaight, Texas Women's Basketball Commit

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As the Texas Longhorns await Bjorn's announcement, the focus will be on how these commitments will shape the future of the program and their pursuit of championships in the coming years.

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