AUSTIN — Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but the Texas Longhorns seem to favor the Vanderbilt-to-Austin pathway.
The team officially announced the signing of 2024 center Jaime Vinson on Monday, following his commitment to Texas. The Austin native, who had initially signed with Vanderbilt, decommitted from the Commodores in April and reopened his recruitment. Last month, he took official visits to South Carolina, Rutgers, and Kentucky, but ultimately decided to stay in Austin.
Vinson played his first two years of high school at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Austin before transferring to the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., a school known for producing numerous high-profile players, including Carmelo Anthony and former Longhorn Kevin Durant.
Earlier this offseason, Texas secured Vanderbilt transfer Malik Presley and bid farewell to Dylan Disu, a 2023-24 All-Big 12 First Team selection who had become a fan favorite over the past three years after starting his collegiate career at Vanderbilt.
This offseason, the Longhorns also added transfer commitments and signatures from Jordan Pope (Oregon State), Tramon Mark (Arkansas), and Julian Larry and Jayson Kent (Indiana State). Presley’s commitment in late April was Texas’ most recent transfer addition.
However, Texas had not addressed the gap in their frontcourt until signing Vinson. Despite being a freshman, Vinson has the potential to make an immediate impact.
The Longhorns kick off the regular season against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Las Vegas for the Hall of Fame Series on Monday, Nov. 4.
