Word out of Austin, Texas tonight is that the Texas Longhorns received a verbal commit from one of the very best infielders in the country.

Michaela Landers, ranked No. 2 overall in the Line Drive Media 2028 HOT 100 and No. 1 by Softball America, is a done deal to UT according to the Austin American-Statesman’s Thomas Jones who also wrote:

“A five-tool infielder who can play multiple positions at the next level, Landers enjoyed a record-breaking season in 2026 for Waxahachie High School, which is about 30 miles south of Dallas.”

“The sophomore shortstop hit .639, scored 73 runs and had 52 extra-base hits in 41 games. She also belted 25 home runs to break the Dallas-area record of 24 that was set in 2025 by Melissa’s Kennedy Bradley, a Florida signee.”

“Landers also recorded 105 RBIs to break the single-season state record of 92 that had been set by Amarillo’s Sydney Greeson in 2018. Landers finished 22 RBIs short of the national record and is tied for the fourth-most in U.S. history.”

“Landers’ record-breaking season earned her The Dallas Morning News’ All-Area Softball Player of the Year award after she led Waxahachie to a 38-3 record and a spot in the Class 6A Division I Region II semifinals.”

On the club side, the current junior who plays for Scott Smith’s Texas Bombers Gold team, was named to the Line Drive Media 18U All-Summer Team after she batted .500 with a .943 SLG, .556 OBP, 1.500 OPS, 10 home runs, 41 RBIs and 34 stolen bases to help the Bombers reach the 18U Tier I Alliance national championship series.

In the 18U Tier 1 National Championship series, although the Bombers fell in the best of three games to the OC Batbusters – Stith team, the closing game loss still saw Michaela hit an RBI triple and a double.

Back in February, USA Softball named the 2026 U-18 Women’s National Team to compete at the Pan American Championship and Landers was one of 16 who made the squad. The games are scheduled to be played November 21-28 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

In the 2028 HOT 100 Top 5 released on Sept. 7^th by Line Drive Media, Michaela’s bio included her high school and club notes as well as the opening statement:

“Michaela has had great success at every level she’s played at including internationally where she was on Team USA’s U-15 squad that won Gold at the WBSC Americas Qualifier last year and where she batted .600 (12-for-20) with eight RBIs and 13 runs scored.”

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive