The NCAA approved a medical waiver for Texas women’s basketball star Rori Harmon to qualify for an extra injury year on Aug. 29 after Harmon’s junior season was cut short due to a torn ACL back in December.

Because the season-ending injury came 12 games into the year, it was harder for Harmon to qualify for an extra injury year outside of her four years of eligibility. Harmon, who was predicted to be a first-round 2025 WNBA Draft pick, will have the option to use an additional year of eligibility for the 2025-26 season.

 “I want to thank The University of Texas compliance office for their assistance on my behalf. The last eight months have been difficult, but I have had the best support system with my teammates, coaches and Texas administration to get me through it,” Harmon said in a press release. “My family has been instrumental and supportive throughout the entire process and I love them so much. I’m blessed to be able to play the game I love and I don’t take that for granted. I’m excited to be back on the court with my teammates as we get ready for the upcoming season.”

When Harmon suffered the injury on Dec. 27, just days before the conference opener against Baylor, she led the country in assist-turnover ratio with 93 assists and 14 turnovers. She also recorded her 500th assist in her Longhorn career during the 2023 non-conference season.

The two-time All-American honorable mention selection and 2023 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is expected to return to the courts for her senior season and has shown big improvements in recovery going into non-conference play in the winter. 

Texas women’s basketball tips off its first season in the SEC against Notre Dame in South Bend on Dec. 5.