In a dramatic twist that has shaken the landscape of women’s college basketball, MiLaysia Fulwiley has officially withdrawn her name from the NCAA Transfer Portal and announced her renewed commitment to the Texas Longhorns. The news, confirmed by Fulwiley herself via a heartfelt social media post early Saturday morning, ends weeks of speculation and delivers a major boost to head coach Vic Schaefer’s program just as spring workouts gear up.
Her decision comes as one of the most unexpected and emotionally charged reversals of the transfer cycle, sending a jolt of excitement through Longhorn Nation and reigniting championship hopes in Austin.
The Portal Shock: Why She Entered in the First Place
When Fulwiley initially entered the transfer portal in late March, it caught many off guard. The electric 5-foot-10 guard from Columbia, South Carolina, had just wrapped up a freshman campaign filled with flashes of brilliance and dazzling playmaking. Known for her speed, flair, and innate ability to create scoring opportunities, Fulwiley had emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the nation.
Insiders at the time cited a combination of homesickness, changes in team chemistry, and an intense adjustment to life in Austin as potential reasons for her decision. There were also whispers of potential interest from programs closer to home, including South Carolina, LSU, and even a reunion with former high school teammates playing elsewhere in the SEC.
But Fulwiley never publicly criticized the Texas program. In fact, in her initial portal announcement, she made it clear how grateful she was for her time with the Longhorns, sparking immediate hope that her exit might not be final.
The Power of Relationship: Vic Schaefer’s Quiet Pursuit
While many schools jumped at the opportunity to recruit Fulwiley, few knew that Texas never truly gave up.
Head coach Vic Schaefer, a veteran leader known for his passionate defense and player-first culture, reportedly kept lines of communication open with Fulwiley and her family throughout the process. Assistant coaches maintained respectful contact, reminding her that the door in Austin remained wide open.
According to sources close to the program, Schaefer even made a low-key visit to Columbia during the NCAA recruiting period—not to recruit, but simply to connect and express his continued belief in her as a player and person. That genuine support, combined with a renewed sense of belonging, ultimately helped bring Fulwiley back.
MiLaysia’s Own Words: “This Is Where I’m Meant to Be”
In a lengthy Instagram caption accompanying a photo of her in a burnt orange jersey, Fulwiley explained her decision:
“I’ve had time to reflect on what I want, who I am, and where I belong. Leaving Texas felt like the right move at the time, but the truth is, I never stopped thinking about my teammates, my coaches, and the fans who welcomed me with open arms. After a lot of prayers, conversations, and soul-searching, I’ve decided to stay and finish what I started. Hook ‘Em for life.”
Her words resonated deeply with fans who had been holding out hope since the moment her name entered the portal. Within minutes, the Texas basketball social media accounts shared the post with the caption, “She’s back #HookEm.”
What It Means for the 2025 Season
The return of MiLaysia Fulwiley instantly vaults the Longhorns back into Final Four contention. Already boasting a roster loaded with experience and depth, Fulwiley’s recommitment means Schaefer will have one of the most dynamic backcourts in the nation.
She’s expected to pair with senior guard Rori Harmon—who returns after an ACL injury—as part of a deadly one-two punch. Harmon’s leadership and control combined with Fulwiley’s creativity and shot-making make for a backcourt that can control the pace and flow of any game.
Add in rising forward Amina Muhammad, wing transfer prospects, and top-tier freshman talent like 5-star recruit Layla Thomas, and you have the makings of a legitimate national title challenger.
Schaefer has long preached defense-first basketball, but he’s also shown a willingness to let elite offensive talents flourish. Fulwiley gives Texas a game-changer—a player who can swing momentum in an instant, whose highlight-reel plays ignite both the team and the crowd.
A Look Back: Fulwiley’s Freshman Year in Review
In her freshman season, Fulwiley averaged 12.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 44% from the field and 35% from three-point range. She came off the bench in early games but quickly carved out a starting role by midseason.
Her breakout moment came in a double-overtime thriller against Baylor, where she dropped 25 points, including a buzzer-beating three to send the game into OT. It was a performance that put her on the national radar and cemented her status as one of the top freshmen in the country.
Even in the NCAA Tournament, she delivered, scoring 19 points in Texas’s Sweet 16 loss to Oregon State, showcasing her fight and skill on the biggest stage.
National Reaction: Shockwaves Through the SEC and Big 12
Fulwiley’s decision has already sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape. With rumors swirling of her possible return to the SEC—perhaps even a seismic homecoming to Dawn Staley’s powerhouse South Carolina—this reversal stings for several fanbases.
“Texas just pulled off the recruiting win of the year, and they didn’t even have to sign a letter of intent,” said ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo during a Saturday afternoon segment. “This is a culture win. It’s a player choosing loyalty, trust, and growth over glamour and hype.”
The Big 12, meanwhile, just became a much more dangerous conference. With Oklahoma reloading and Kansas surging under Brandon Schneider, Texas reestablishing itself as the clear front-runner with Fulwiley back in the fold adds a compelling layer to the 2025 season.
The Bigger Picture: Portal Chaos and Player Empowerment
Fulwiley’s reversal also shines a light on the ever-changing nature of the transfer portal era. In years past, such a reversal might have been rare. Today, it reflects a growing realization among players that the grass isn’t always greener—and that decisions made in emotion or haste can be reconsidered without shame.
It’s also a reminder that relationships matter. Schaefer’s approach—patient, empathetic, and persistent—demonstrated the power of coaches who truly invest in their players beyond the basketball court.
College basketball is no longer just about wins and losses; it’s about culture, connection, and trust. Fulwiley’s decision underscores that in powerful fashion.
What’s Next: Workouts, Leadership, and a Statement Season
With her return confirmed, Fulwiley is expected to rejoin the team during the final weeks of spring workouts before the summer training period begins. She’s already spoken with teammates, and early reports suggest her return has reenergized the locker room.
“She’s like our spark plug,” said teammate Aaliyah Moore. “We missed her energy, and now it feels like we’re whole again.”
Look for Fulwiley to take on an even larger leadership role in Year 2, especially with Rori Harmon easing back into full health. Her growth as a vocal leader, combined with her on-court magic, will be vital to Texas’s push for a national title.
Fan Reaction: From Panic to Pure Joy
Fans flooded social media in the aftermath of the announcement, expressing relief, joy, and overwhelming excitement.
- “I’ve been refreshing Twitter every day waiting for this. Let’s goooooo!!!” – @LonghornMomma
- “Schaefer kept the faith and it paid off. Fulwiley is THAT girl!” – @ATXHoops247
- “Championship bound. Don’t say we didn’t warn y’all.” – @HookEmElite
Sales of Fulwiley’s NIL merch spiked within hours of the announcement, and ticket inquiries for the 2025 season increased on the Texas athletics site, reflecting the renewed buzz around the program.