Texas Longhorns Guard Enters Transfer Portal

Texas Longhorns guard Laila Phelia enters transfer portal at the last second

Texas Longhorns guard Laila Phelia (5) makes a pass during practice in the Moody Center, Oct. 2, 2024. The Longhorns start their season with an exhibition match against UT-Tyler on Oct. 31. | Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

AUSTIN - On the last day to enter the transfer portal without a coaching change, another Texas Longhorn entered the portal, guard Laila Phelia. She entered the portal with a do-not-contact tag.

She redshirted this season after suffering a detached retina just eight games into the season, but was expected to return for the 2025-26 season.

Phelia played just eight games in a Texas uniform after transferring from Michigan, where she played and was a consistent starter for three seasons. She is the fourth Longhorn to enter the transfer portal after Texas reached the Final Four for the first time in 22 years.

On3's Talia Goodman first reported on the news with just hours left for players to enter the portal.

Laila Phelia during practic — Texas Longhorns guard Laila Phelia (5) does a dribbling drill during practice in the Moody Center, Oct. 2, 2024. The Longhorns start their season with an exhibition match against UT-Tyler on Oct. 31. | Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Her entry to the portal comes as a surprise for Texas fans, as she was set to take on a bigger role next season, one she would have had without injury this season. The 6-foot guard will enter the portal with two years of eligibility remaining.

Even with Rori Harmon returning at the point guard spot, the departure of Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda to the transfer portal would have given Phelia the chance to step up and move into a starting role, as she knows what it takes to start in a Power-Four conference.

Phelia led Michigan to an Elite Eight in her freshman season and has scored over 1,200 career points. As a Longhorn, she scored her season-high 10 points against DePaul on Nov. 17 and was a key part of the Texas lineup earlier in the season.

With the departure of Phelia, Texas is hoping to get a commitment from Utah's Gianna Kneepkens, who is ranked as one of ESPN's top transfer portal players.