Former 5-star Kentucky recruit Ian Jackson enters transfer portal

Ian Jackson, a former five-star recruit who committed to the University of North Carolina (UNC) in January 2023, has entered the NCAA transfer portal.  The 6-foot-4 shooting guard from the Bronx averaged 11.9 points per game during his freshman year at UNC, shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. He recorded eight games with 20 or more points.

Prior to his time at UNC, Jackson was a consensus top-10 recruit in the 2024 class and was heavily pursued by Kentucky under coach John Calipari before ultimately committing to the Tar Heels.  His decision to enter the transfer portal has sparked interest from various programs, including Kentucky, which is exploring the possibility of bringing him on board to address its shooting challenges.

Jackson’s freshman year at UNC included notable performances, such as a career-high 26-point game against Campbell University in December 2024.  He also earned the ACC Rookie of the Week honor following that game. In February 2025, he was named one of the top candidates for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award.

Jackson’s entry into the transfer portal adds to the dynamic nature of college basketball rosters, with players seeking opportunities that align with their athletic and academic goals. As he explores his options, programs like Kentucky are evaluating how Jackson’s skills can enhance their teams in the upcoming seasons.