Texas Lands Five-Star Qandace Samuels In Huge 2027 Recruiting Win

Texas women's basketball isn't slowing down on the recruiting trail, and head coach Vic Schaefer just landed another major piece of what could become a national championship contender.

Five-star guard Qandace Samuels, the No. 10 overall prospect in ESPN's 2027 recruiting rankings, has signed with the Texas Longhorns after choosing Austin over LSU, Virginia Tech and Rutgers.

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The 6-2 Maryland standout gives Texas one of the nation's most explosive young perimeter players and strengthens a recruiting class already ranked among the best in college basketball.

Samuels joins fellow five-star prospect Jayla Forbes, a 6-foot-7 center ranked No. 14 nationally by ESPN. Together, they've helped push the Longhorns' 2027 recruiting class to No. 4 in the country.

And Samuels isn't arriving without championship experience.

Playing for Bishop McNamara High School in Maryland, she helped capture consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championships in 2025 and 2026.

During the 2026 championship game against Bishop Ireton, Samuels delivered 18 points and 12 rebounds in a 59-45 victory.

Her production on the national travel basketball circuit has been equally impressive.

Competing with Team Takeover in Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League, Samuels averaged 19.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.9 steals per game.

Those numbers highlight the versatility that makes her such an intriguing addition to Schaefer's program.

Samuels can create offense off the dribble, knock down perimeter jumpers and attack defenders around the basket. Defensively, her length and physicality allow her to pressure ballhandlers, disrupt passing lanes and contribute on the glass.

Schaefer believes those qualities make her an ideal fit for Texas.

"Qandace is an incredibly talented player who brings a unique combination of size, length, versatility, and athleticism," Schaefer said in announcing her signing.

Her decision also reflects the increasingly powerful recruiting appeal of the Longhorns' program.

Texas has reached consecutive NCAA Final Fours under Schaefer, establishing itself among the nation's elite while continuing its pursuit of the program's first national championship since 1986.

Samuels has made it clear that winning a championship influenced her decision.

"I chose Texas because it checked every box for me," she said.

Basketball success also runs in her family. Her older sister, Qadence Samuels, won a national championship with UConn in 2025 before transferring to NC State. Her brother, Qayden Samuels, joined Alabama's men's basketball program.

With Samuels and Forbes now officially signed, Texas has secured two elite prospects who could make immediate contributions during the 2027-28 season.

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For Schaefer, the message to the rest of the SEC is becoming increasingly clear.

Texas isn't simply recruiting to remain competitive. The Longhorns are assembling the talent to chase championships for years to come.