Texas Basketball: A Younger, Deeper Roster Aims for More
Freshman Marcus Spears Jr. scored 11 points and blocked four shots in a 109-59 win over Chicago State, signaling a shift in the Longhorns' depth.
By Jack Weber ·
The Moody Center crowd erupted in applause when freshman Marcus Spears Jr. drove to the basket.
The reaction offered an early glimpse of the team Sean Miller is building for the 2026-27 season. Texas defeated Chicago State 109 to 59 on Monday night, a result that showcased the roster's talent against an overmatched opponent. The Longhorns are currently ranked No. 7. This squad features more young players and greater depth than the group that made a surprising NCAA Tournament run in Miller's first year. Last season, the team went 21-15 and won three tournament games before falling short of the Elite Eight. That previous group relied heavily on returning players Dailyn Swain, Tramon Mark, and Jordan Pope.
The current roster includes big man Matas Vokietaitis alongside a wave of new talent. Freshmen Isaiah Johnson, Austin Goosby, Joe Sterling, Bo Ogden, David Punch, and Amari Evans join the lineup. Guard Mikey Lewis is currently sidelined due to a fractured foot. He underwent surgery on October 1 and is expected to return in the new year. His absence has created space for the newcomers to gain playing time. Miller described the group as fun to coach, noting that the players love the game and are good people. He stated that the team has had a great five months of work together.
Spears provided the standout performance in the Monday game. The 6-foot-9, 206-pound swingman scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded four blocks. He reclassified to the Class of 2026 before signing with Texas. His father, Marcus Spears Sr., is an analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Football Countdown. The elder Spears was preparing to work a broadcast for a Seahawks and Bears game when he watched highlights of his son's pregame warmups. He noted that this was only Spears Jr.'s second game in an arena. The younger Spears credited his father's long-term guidance for his current level of play, saying it was starting to show.
The team enters the SEC season with a high-profile matchup scheduled for January 2. Texas will host defending national champion Florida in that game. Miller said the team does not have issues with individualism, adding that they must continue to gain experience. He acknowledged that the players need to get older and more seasoned. The nonconference schedule includes a game against Incarnate Word in San Antonio, which follows the Chicago State contest. Miller cautioned against assuming outcomes based on opponent quality, pointing to East Texas A&M's recent 68-64 victory at Oklahoma as evidence that upsets can happen. The Longhorns will use the remaining nonconference games to define roles before the conference schedule begins.
