Texas Freshman Austin Goosby Earns Major National Honor Before Debut

Texas basketball hasn't played its first regular-season game, but freshman guard Austin Goosby is already receiving the kind of national recognition usually reserved for established college stars.

Goosby was named Tuesday to the 2027 Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award preseason watch list, placing the Longhorns newcomer among 20 players being considered for one of college basketball's most prestigious individual honors.

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It's an impressive achievement for a player who hasn't officially stepped onto the court for a regular-season college game.

The award, named for NBA legend and Hall of Famer Jerry West, recognizes the nation's top shooting guard in Division I men's basketball.

Goosby's selection reflects the considerable expectations surrounding one of Texas' most celebrated incoming recruits.

The 6-5 guard from Melissa, Texas, arrived in Austin after an outstanding high school career that included appearances in the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.

During his senior season at Dynamic Prep in Irving, Goosby averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Those numbers helped Dynamic Prep finish 39-5 and advance to the Chipotle Nationals semifinals.

The program also captured the Overtime Elite championship with a perfect 20-0 record in league competition.

Goosby was ranked as the nation's No. 18 prospect in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports, cementing his status as one of the country's most highly regarded incoming guards.

Now, he'll attempt to translate that success to the SEC.

Texas enters the 2026-27 season ranked seventh nationally, with Goosby joining a talented freshman class that includes Bo Ogden, Marcus Spears Jr., Joe Sterling and Coleman Elkins.

For the Longhorns, Goosby's potential extends beyond scoring.

His size, athleticism and ability to contribute as both a passer and defender could make him an important part of the rotation as Texas looks to compete for an SEC championship.

He'll also face significant competition for the Jerry West Award.

Other preseason candidates include Arkansas guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, Texas A&M's PJ Haggerty, Michigan's Trey McKenney and UConn's Braylon Mullins.

The watch list will be reduced to 10 players in February before five finalists are selected in March.

The field isn't permanent, either. Players can be added or removed based on their performances throughout the season.

Goosby will get his first official opportunity to strengthen his case Monday, Nov. 2, when Texas hosts Chicago State at Moody Center.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, with SEC Network televising the matchup.

For a freshman already carrying substantial expectations, the national recognition is encouraging.

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But the real challenge begins when the games start counting.

And Texas fans won't have to wait much longer to find out whether Goosby can become one of college basketball's next breakout stars.