In a bombshell announcement that has taken the world of women’s college basketball by storm, Texas Longhorns star point guard Rori Harmon has officially declared her return for the 2025–26 season—news that was quickly followed by a cascade of accolades, unprecedented financial recognition, and a surge of media and fanfare not seen since the heyday of players like Diana Taurasi or Candace Parker.
As reported by ESPN’s senior insider Holly Rowe and confirmed by the Longhorns athletic department on Thursday, Harmon has not only been named SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player, but she’s also been awarded the highly coveted Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year—a recognition that comes after a season of brilliance, perseverance, and unmatched leadership. In an even more historic twist, Harmon will receive a $10 million NIL-based remittance from the Texas program’s collective support initiatives, as well as an additional $3.5 million remittance personally funded by head coach Vic Schaefer, a move that signals the shifting tides of player empowerment and investment in women’s college athletics.
This sweeping moment is being hailed as a new era for the sport.
The Dominant Return of Rori Harmon
Harmon, who missed most of the 2023–24 season due to a torn ACL, came back with a vengeance in 2024–25. Her senior campaign was nothing short of spectacular: she averaged 19.4 points, 9.3 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game while leading Texas to a 31–4 record and an SEC Championship in the Longhorns’ debut season in the conference.
Harmon’s presence was so dynamic, her game so mature, and her leadership so magnetic that Coach Schaefer called her “the most indispensable player I’ve ever coached.”
“Rori doesn’t just run the floor—she owns it,” Schaefer told ESPN following the SEC title game. “She’s the heartbeat of our team, and her decision to come back shows her love for Texas, for her teammates, and for finishing something she started.”
SEC Tournament MVP: A Performance for the Ages
During the SEC Tournament, Harmon elevated her game to transcendent levels.
In the quarterfinal against LSU, Harmon dropped a triple-double: 22 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals, neutralizing Angel Reese and dictating every possession with veteran poise. Against South Carolina in the semifinals, Harmon orchestrated a comeback victory with 28 points and a season-high 14 assists, cutting through Dawn Staley’s elite defense with surgical precision.
The final against Tennessee saw Harmon post 31 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, including a stretch of 11 consecutive points to close out the game—a performance reminiscent of Kemba Walker’s iconic Big East run, but on the women’s side and arguably more impressive given the level of competition.
Her MVP award was a foregone conclusion.
“She was the best player on the floor every night,” SEC analyst Carolyn Peck said. “We haven’t seen a tournament run like that in years.”
The $13.5 Million Statement
What’s perhaps even more groundbreaking than Harmon’s on-court achievements is the financial support she’s now receiving.
The $10 million remittance is part of Texas’ groundbreaking NIL Collective Initiative, a program funded by boosters and business partnerships specifically created to reward female athletes for excellence and brand value. Harmon’s return was viewed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set a precedent: reward loyalty, performance, and leadership in a market that has long lagged behind in support for women’s sports.
But what raised even more eyebrows was Coach Vic Schaefer’s personal contribution of $3.5 million to Harmon’s NIL collective—a move never before seen in college sports.
“I’m not just coaching Rori Harmon. I’m investing in her,” Schaefer said. “Because she invested in us first.”
This bold move not only cements Schaefer’s legacy as a players’ coach but sets a new benchmark for how elite programs may approach athlete retention in the future.
Why Rori Harmon Chose to Return
Despite being projected as a top-five pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Harmon stunned fans and analysts by announcing her return.
In a press conference held in Austin, Harmon spoke candidly about her decision:
“I’ve got unfinished business. I want to win a national championship for Texas. I want to lead this team one more time—and I want to keep pushing the game forward for women athletes everywhere.”
She added that the support she received during her rehab, especially from the program and her fans, solidified her love for the university and strengthened her commitment to leaving an even greater legacy.
Her return effectively makes Texas a Final Four favorite for next season and has already drawn significant buzz on social media and national sports talk shows.
The Media Explosion and Cultural Impact
Harmon’s announcement trended at #1 on X (formerly Twitter), with support flooding in from the likes of Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Sue Bird, and even LeBron James, who reposted her highlight reel saying, “She’s a killer. Respect. Can’t wait to watch her cook again.”
Nike, Under Armour, and Gatorade have all reportedly reached out for new endorsements. Harmon already holds deals with H-E-B, Raising Cane’s, and a tech startup based in Austin, but her marketing value is now projected to increase by nearly 300% over the next 12 months.
Moreover, Harmon’s return and the financial backing she’s received are being heralded as a critical moment in the ongoing rise of NIL equality and empowerment in women’s sports.
“This is bigger than basketball,” said NCAA Women’s Basketball analyst Andraya Carter. “It’s about leveling the playing field and showing the world that elite women athletes deserve elite investment.”
A New Standard in Women’s College Athletics
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte called the moment “historic.”
“We’re proud of Rori. She’s not just an athlete—she’s an icon for the future of Longhorn sports,” Del Conte said. “Our commitment to her isn’t just financial. It’s institutional, it’s emotional, and it’s visionary.”
NCAA President Charlie Baker also released a statement applauding Texas’ approach to NIL and highlighting Harmon as a model of the modern student-athlete: excelling academically, leading on the court, and making a tangible impact on the sport.
Meanwhile, the Longhorns’ women’s team has already seen a 63% increase in season ticket sales for 2025–26. ESPN reports that Harmon’s return has also influenced national TV contracts and will likely help Texas land more nationally televised games next season.
What’s Next for Harmon and Texas?
With Harmon’s return, Texas is now in pole position to be the No. 1 team in most preseason rankings. She will be joined by sophomore phenom Madison Booker, junior wing Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, and a top-5 incoming recruiting class that includes McDonald’s All-American forward Tiana Jones.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo, Harmon was asked what motivates her going into next season.
“I want to bring a natty to Austin. That’s the dream,” Harmon said. “And I want young girls everywhere to know they can do this too. They can be powerful, paid, and proud.”
The NCAA Tournament looms in 2026, and it seems inevitable that Harmon and Texas will be one of the main attractions. The team will begin the season with a multi-city media tour that includes stops on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and NBA on TNT—with Harmon scheduled to appear as a guest analyst alongside Candace Parker during next season’s WNBA Finals.
Final Thoughts: Rori Harmon’s Legacy in Motion
In a time when the landscape of college sports is rapidly evolving—through NIL, the transfer portal, and a reinvigorated spotlight on women’s athletics—Rori Harmon has become a symbol of what is possible.
Her excellence is not just measured in points or assists but in courage, integrity, and impact. Her return to Texas is more than a basketball decision. It’s a cultural moment.
“She’s changed the game forever,” said Holly Rowe in a segment following the announcement. “And the best part? She’s just getting started.