The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team, fresh off a memorable Final Four run, faces a significant offseason challenge as sophomore forward Justice Carlton has entered the transfer portal. Carlton, a key starter for much of the season, has played her final game in burnt orange.

Carlton's departure is a notable loss for the program. The 6-foot-2 forward, once heralded as the No. 7 overall recruit in her class by ESPN, chose Texas over powerhouse programs like LSU, South Carolina, and UConn. After a reserve role as a freshman, she blossomed into a regular starter this past season, averaging 8.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game—ranking fourth on the team in both categories.

Her decision creates an immediate void in the frontcourt, leaving the Longhorns with inexperience at the power forward position. The team will likely look to incoming freshmen Brihanna Crittendon and Joyce Isime Etute to step up and compete for those crucial minutes next season.

Carlton's exit is part of a broader trend of roster movement for Texas this offseason. She joins teammates Aaliyah Moore and highly-touted freshman Aaliyah Crump in the portal, signaling a period of transition for a program aiming to build on its recent national success.