Matas Vokietaitis returning to Texas
The upside of the 2026-27 roster just increased with the massive decision from the physical center.
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) drives against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (15) in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Sean Miller and his staff have retained the centerpiece for the 2026-27 roster by securing another season on the Forty Acres from rising junior center Matas Vokietaitis, the big Lithuanian’s agents told DraftExpress on Friday. NEWS: Matas Vokietaitis is returning to Texas for his junior season, per Deimantas Baziukas and Deirunas Visockas of Gersh Sports.
Massive retention for Sean Miller. The Lithuanian 7-footer carried the Longhorns to the Elite Eight with a dominant NCAA Tournament run. pic.
twitter. com/1ta1WlGwyh — Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 10, 2026 Last week, Vokietaitis told the Houston Chronicle that he was unsure if he was going to return to Texas. The 7’0, 255-pounder with two seasons of eligibility remaining was a massive priority for the Longhorns to retain because of his impact on the court as a sophomore and because of his tremendous value had he chosen to enter the NCAA transfer portal for a second straight year.
“With the improvement Vokietaitis showed over the course of the season, and his coveted size and physicality, it’s safe to say he would have been one of the most hotly pursued big men in the portal outside of Flory Bidunga,” Givony wrote on Twitter. “He’ll draw significant NBA attention next season. ” Vokietaitis took a significant leap forward after transferring to Texas from Florida Atlantic following a promising freshman season that earned AAC Freshman of the Year recognition, ranking second on the team in rebounding (5.