On August 29, the NCAA granted Texas women’s basketball star Rori Harmon a medical waiver, allowing her to qualify for an additional year of eligibility after her junior season was cut short by a torn ACL in December.

Harmon, who sustained the season-ending injury 12 games into the year, faced challenges in securing the waiver since it fell outside the standard four-year eligibility period. Projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Harmon now has the option to extend her college career through the 2025-26 season.

In a press release, Harmon expressed her gratitude: “I want to thank The University of Texas compliance office for their help on my behalf. The last eight months have been tough, but I’ve had incredible support from my teammates, coaches, and the Texas administration. My family has also been instrumental in this process, and I’m so grateful for them. I’m blessed to be able to continue playing the game I love, and I don’t take that for granted. I’m excited to get back on the court with my teammates as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

When Harmon was injured on December 27, just before the conference opener against Baylor, she led the nation in assist-turnover ratio with 93 assists and 14 turnovers. She also reached her 500th career assist during the 2023 non-conference season.

A two-time All-American honorable mention and the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Harmon is expected to return to the court for her senior season. She has shown significant progress in her recovery as the team prepares for non-conference play this winter.

Texas women’s basketball will kick off its first season in the SEC against Notre Dame in South Bend on December