As Longhorns basketball prepares for the 2025-2026 campaign, they have also been busy planning for the future. This weekend, they reportedly welcomed 2026 prospect Joe Sterling to campus. The California native is ranked as one of the top 100 players in his class and would be a huge get for Texas. 

While Texas hopes to add Sterling to their roster next year, they also face competition. During the recruiting process, he has also received offers from Colorado State, Washington State, Northern Iowa, New Mexico, and UC Santa Barbara. The Harvard-Westlake star has already taken visits to New Mexico, UC Santa Barbara, and Northern Iowa during his tour of the country.

Currently, the California native is ranked as the 107th best player and 14th best combo guard in his class by 247sports. They also rank him as the 11th best player from California. That is partly why the Longhorns have made him a priority on the recruiting trail.

Over the last few months, Sean Miller has been busy reshaping his roster ahead of his first season as Texas’s head coach. That has included him being busy in the transfer portal and going overseas for talent. He has also been busy connecting with players in the 2026 class. 

Although no decision date has been set, Texas will have the chance to show Sterling what his future at Texas could look like. Their offense would improve with him in the mix due to his scoring ability. His impressions of Austin this weekend could play a major role in his recruitment. 

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For Texas, the hope is that Sterling leaves campus wanting to be a Longhorn and part of a bright future.