Transfer Shockwave: Texas Longhorns Star Joley Mitchell Chooses Oklahoma Sooners in Stunning Portal Move
In a move sending ripples through the world of women’s college basketball, former Texas Longhorns standout Joley Mitchell has officially committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, marking one of the most high-profile transfers of the offseason. Mitchell, who entered the transfer portal earlier this month, made her decision public today in a social media announcement, confirming what many had speculated—but few expected to become reality.
This unexpected commitment not only reshapes the future for both Oklahoma and Texas but also throws another spark into the fire of one of the fiercest rivalries in collegiate athletics. Let’s dive deep into how this transfer came to be, why it matters so much, and what it means moving forward for both programs.
A Shocking Decision
Joley Mitchell’s entry into the transfer portal drew immediate national attention. A former 5-star recruit and one of the most electric guards in the country, Mitchell had blossomed into a foundational player for the Texas Longhorns during her time in Austin. Her ability to score at all three levels, facilitate with court vision, and defend with relentless intensity made her indispensable for Vic Schaefer’s system.
Yet, after two seasons of personal excellence, Mitchell cited a desire for “a fresh start, new leadership, and a system that showcases her versatility” in her portal statement.
Many assumed a move to a blueblood like South Carolina or UConn was in play. Even whispers of a jump to LSU or USC surfaced. But Oklahoma? That surprised even the closest insiders.
Now, with Jennie Baranczyk leading the Sooners, the decision no longer feels so stunning—just game-changing.
Why Oklahoma?
Sources close to Mitchell say that her relationship with Oklahoma’s head coach Jennie Baranczyk was key in the decision. Baranczyk, known for her player-first philosophy and free-flowing offensive schemes, made a compelling pitch: “Come be the face of the Sooners.”
In contrast to Texas’s more structured, defense-first approach, Oklahoma plays a style that better aligns with Mitchell’s natural instincts. The Sooners thrive in transition, spread the floor with shooters, and empower guards to be aggressive creators.
Mitchell, who averaged 16.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game last season, now gets the green light to take the reins in Norman. For Baranczyk, landing Mitchell represents her most significant recruiting victory to date.
Red River Ripples: Texas vs. Oklahoma Just Got Personal
The Texas-Oklahoma rivalry has always been fiery—whether it’s on the gridiron, the hardwood, or the recruiting trail. But with Mitchell’s flip, things just got a lot more personal.
Mitchell will now line up against the Longhorns, likely in a hostile Moody Center next season. The image of a former Texas star donning crimson and cream, driving the lane against her old teammates, is already generating buzz on social media and across message boards.
Texas fans are understandably stunned. Many saw Mitchell as a cornerstone piece for the Longhorns’ title aspirations. Her sudden departure is not just a roster blow—it’s an emotional gut punch.
On the flip side, Oklahoma fans have every reason to celebrate. Landing a talent like Mitchell is a statement to the rest of the Big 12 and beyond: the Sooners aren’t just building—they’re coming for the crown.
What Joley Mitchell Brings to the Sooners
Oklahoma’s offense just added nitroglycerin.
Mitchell is not just a scorer—she’s a tempo-setter. With her elite ball-handling, quick first step, and deep shooting range, she forces defenses to stay honest. She’s a natural leader who communicates on both ends of the floor and plays with an edge that rubs off on her teammates.
Let’s break it down further:
- Scoring: Mitchell’s 16.2 PPG came on 45% shooting from the field and 36% from three—efficiency that’s rare for a guard with such a heavy usage rate.
- Playmaking: Her 5.7 assists per game ranked among the best in the Big 12, often coming from kick-outs in drive-and-dish scenarios.
- Defense: Her 2.1 steals per game and ability to lock down primary ballhandlers made her a two-way threat.
Her versatility allows Baranczyk to run multiple sets—high pick-and-roll, off-ball screens, or even isolation—and get elite results.
With Mitchell, Oklahoma now has a legitimate go-to player in clutch situations, a leader in the locker room, and a face for the program.
Texas Reacts: Where Do the Longhorns Go From Here?
There’s no sugarcoating it—Mitchell’s departure hurts.
The Longhorns were poised for a deep NCAA Tournament run in 2025, and Mitchell was central to those plans. Her exit leaves a major gap in both production and leadership. Vic Schaefer, never one to shy away from a challenge, will need to pivot quickly.
Luckily, Texas has talent on the roster. Rising stars like Aaliyah Moore and Jordana Codio are expected to take on expanded roles. But none bring the dynamic combination of Mitchell’s IQ, skill, and experience.
Expect Texas to be aggressive in the transfer portal themselves. With a premier program and high-profile losses, it’s likely Schaefer and his staff will be looking for an experienced guard to fill the void—though replacing Mitchell’s impact entirely is near impossible.
Big 12 Shake-Up
The Big 12 landscape just shifted.
Mitchell’s arrival vaults Oklahoma into the conversation as a top-three team in the conference, if not a legitimate title contender. With her running the show, the Sooners now have an All-American candidate and a potential Big 12 Player of the Year.
Kansas State, Baylor, and Iowa State—programs with returning firepower—will be circling that Oklahoma game on the calendar with added urgency. The league just got a new power player.
And while Texas is momentarily reeling, no one’s counting out Schaefer and the Longhorns. Expect even more intensity when the Red River rivals meet next season—Mitchell’s presence will demand it.
What This Means for Women’s College Basketball
Transfers are part of the modern game, but Mitchell’s move is particularly symbolic. It highlights a shifting culture where players are empowered to seek out better fits—and make bold decisions.
Gone are the days when in-conference or even intra-rival transfers were taboo. In today’s landscape, it’s about what’s best for the individual—and Mitchell’s move is a shining example of that.
It also underscores the rise of Oklahoma under Baranczyk. This is no longer a middling program hoping to stay competitive. The Sooners are making serious moves, and their investment in women’s basketball is starting to bear fruit.
The Road Ahead
For Joley Mitchell, this is a new chapter. A chance to prove she can elevate a new program, lead in a different system, and redefine her legacy—not just as a Longhorn standout, but as a Sooners superstar.
For Oklahoma, this is a milestone. Mitchell’s decision signals a belief in the program’s future—and it brings instant credibility on the national stage.
For Texas, it’s a wake-up call. The program remains elite, but adapting to the realities of the portal era will be key to staying at the top.
One thing is certain: when Oklahoma and Texas face off next season, the spotlight won’t just be on the scoreboard—it will be on No. 11 in crimson, the former Longhorn, now Sooner royalty.
Final Thoughts
Joley Mitchell’s transfer from Texas to Oklahoma will go down as one of the most seismic in recent Big 12 history. It redefines expectations, reshapes rosters, and rekindles the fire of an already explosive rivalry.
More than anything, it reminds us of the drama, the stakes, and the ever-changing landscape of college basketball in the portal era. Whether you’re burnt orange or crimson and cream, one thing’s for sure—next season just got a whole lot more interesting.