As Longhorns freshman Austin Goosby begins his college career, he is already making national headlines. On Tuesday, he was named one of 20 preseason watch list candidates for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award. Named after 1980 Hall of Famer Jerry West, the award is given each year to the top shooting guard in Division I men's college basketball.
The list will be cut down to 10 players in February, before the five finalists are revealed in March. The winner of the 2027 West Award will be presented next year. The list can change until five finalists are chosen.
True freshman Austin Goosby named to the Jerry West Award preseason watch list🐂 The Jerry West Award recognizes the top Shooting Guard in College Basketball Read more👇https://t.co/1qRVzs6YFJ#HookEm
| #Texas pic.twitter.com/jQzYVWnZxp
— Jalen Brown (@jalenpolobrown) October 27, 2026
It is no surprise to see Goosby on this list, given how scouts view him. The Dynamic Prep alum was ranked the 19th-best player in the 2026 class by 247Sports. They also ranked Goosby as the second-best player from the Lone Star State. The Longhorns were overjoyed when he decided Texas was the best place to begin his college career.
In his final season at Dynamic Prep, Goosby averaged 16.2 and 4.8 rebounds per game. With him as the main weapon on offense, Dynamic Prep posted a 39-5 record and made it to the Chipotle Nationals semifinals. During his high school career, Goosby also played in the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
Isaiah Johnson showing why he and Austin Goosby can play both guard spots.
— Zach Dimmitt (@ZachDimmitt7) October 25, 2026
They both have early 3s as Texas trails St. John’s. pic.twitter.com/JFUN7BWQvK
When Goosby makes his collegiate debut, he will not be the only Longhorns freshman with a lot of eyes on him. The Longhorns' 2026 class was ranked among the best in the nation and includes Bo Ogden, Marcus Spears Jr., Joe Sterling, and Coleman Elkins. If that group meets expectations, there will be a lot of wins to celebrate in Austin.
Goosby will get to start making his claim for the Jerry West Award when Texas opens its regular season on November 2nd against Chicago State.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns freshman named to Jerry West Award preseason watch list
