Texas women's basketball: Starter Justice Carlton decides to enter NCAA's transfer portal

After two years with the Texas women's basketball team, Justice Carlton has elected to enter the transfer portal. Citing Carlton's agent, On3 broke the news about Carlton's departure on Monday evening. Carlton later confirmed her decision to the American-Statesman.

More: Subscribe to the Statesman's Texas sports newsletter The loss of Carlton leaves the Longhorns lacking experienced depth at the "4" position since seniors Ashton Judd and Teya Sidberry have exhausted their eligibility. Texas is set to add freshman forwards Brihanna Crittendon and Joyce Isime Etute to its roster next season. Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) leaves the NCAA Final Four game against UCLA at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Friday, April 3, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

(Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman) Justice Carlton enjoyed a breakout during the SEC Tournament Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) is guarded by Kentucky forward Teonni Key (7) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Aaron E.

Martinez/Austin American-Statesman) Following a freshman year in which Carlton was both responsible for UT's only 30-point game but also a non-factor in the postseason, the 6-foot-1 forward became a fixture in the Texas starting lineup. Carlton, who was able to ditch the brace for a knee injury that she sustained in high school, started in 28 of UT's final 29 games this winter. She averaged 8.