Ian Jackson is leaning toward playing for a well-known team next season, according to UK basketball recruiting.
The college basketball world is buzzing once again as one of the nation’s most electrifying high school prospects inches closer to a decision. Ian Jackson, a five-star recruit from New York who was once firmly committed to North Carolina, is reportedly leaning toward joining a new high-profile team next season, according to insiders tied to UK basketball recruiting.
Jackson, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard ranked among the top prospects in the 2024 class, has been on a roller-coaster ride over the past year. After decommitting from North Carolina earlier this spring, speculation has swirled about his next move. And now, all signs point to a potential landing with a well-known national program—possibly even one in the SEC.
From the Bronx to the Big Time
Jackson’s story begins in the Bronx, where he developed a name for himself as an explosive scorer with elite athleticism and a fearless mentality. He rose through the high school ranks playing for Cardinal Hayes, a traditional basketball power in New York City. Jackson’s natural scoring instincts, defensive tenacity, and ability to create his own shot made him a coveted prospect from the jump.
He first committed to North Carolina in January 2023, choosing the Tar Heels over the likes of Kentucky, Arkansas, LSU, and Oregon. At the time, his pledge was seen as a major win for Hubert Davis and the UNC staff, who had made Jackson the centerpiece of their 2024 recruiting class.
However, cracks began to show as the months went by. Jackson remained loyal through the summer, but internal speculation emerged about fit, role, and system. With the college basketball landscape rapidly evolving—especially through the transfer portal and NIL opportunities—Jackson and his camp reassessed their options.
By March 2025, Jackson announced he was reopening his recruitment.
Kentucky Re-Engages
Almost immediately after his decommitment, Kentucky’s coaching staff reignited their pursuit. The Wildcats, now under the leadership of Mark Pope following John Calipari’s stunning departure to Arkansas, are in the middle of a recruiting blitz to reclaim elite talent. Pope, who has embraced a modern offensive style and a player-first development culture, is aggressively targeting top-tier prospects who want to shine on a national stage.
Jackson fits the mold.
A source close to the UK program told Wildcat Insider, “There’s growing confidence that Ian is warming up to the idea of wearing blue next season. He’s had conversations with Pope, and Kentucky’s pitch about letting him be the focal point of the offense is resonating.”
Another insider noted that Jackson was impressed during his informal visit to Lexington in early April, where he watched team workouts and met with strength coaches and player development staff. “He sees how Kentucky is building something fast with a combination of freshmen and transfers, and he wants to be part of something special,” the source added.
Other Programs Still in the Mix
While Kentucky might be the frontrunner, they aren’t alone. Louisville, Arkansas, and USC are reportedly still in the running. Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey has been relentless in his recruitment of Jackson, pitching a chance to lead the Cardinals’ resurgence in the ACC. USC, meanwhile, offers Jackson the lure of Los Angeles and NIL-heavy opportunities, plus a chance to be a cornerstone in their transition to the Big Ten.
Arkansas, with Calipari now at the helm, presents an intriguing twist. Calipari was the one who initially recruited Jackson hard while at Kentucky. Now that he’s in Fayetteville, he’s making a renewed push to bring Jackson with him. According to one SEC source, “There’s definitely some tension in this. Calipari’s pitch is about loyalty and trust—they’ve had a relationship for a long time. But Pope is showing that he can build his own legacy with stars like Ian.”
What Jackson Brings
Wherever he ends up, Ian Jackson is poised to be an immediate difference-maker. He’s a dynamic scorer who can fill it up from all three levels. Scouts rave about his first step, his ability to absorb contact, and his finishing touch around the rim. On defense, he’s a ballhawk with quick feet and excellent anticipation.
Jackson also brings a level of swagger and competitive edge that coaches covet. “He’s not just talented—he plays with that New York City grit,” said one prep coach who’s worked with Jackson in AAU circuits. “He’s fearless. He wants the big moment.”
During the 2024-25 high school season, Jackson averaged 21.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, leading Cardinal Hayes to a state semifinal appearance. He was named a McDonald’s All-American and shined during the Jordan Brand Classic, where he scored 19 points and delivered a highlight-reel dunk that went viral.
Kentucky’s Potential Fit
If Jackson does commit to Kentucky, he would likely be slotted in as a day-one starter at the shooting guard position. The Wildcats are in the midst of reshaping their roster after a turbulent year that saw early NCAA Tournament exit and a mass roster overhaul.
Mark Pope is targeting an up-tempo style centered around space, pace, and scoring versatility. Jackson, with his explosive offense and defensive prowess, could anchor both ends of the court. He would also join a young but promising core that includes former five-star PG Travis Perry, center Amari Williams (a recent transfer from Drexel), and wing Karter Knox.
One UK assistant coach anonymously told The Lexington Leader, “We think Ian can be a game-changer. He reminds us of a young Malik Monk with a bit more defensive polish. The ball would be in his hands early and often.”
NIL and the Modern Recruitment Process
There’s no ignoring the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness in modern recruiting—and Jackson is very much aware. While his camp hasn’t publicly discussed specific figures, industry insiders believe several schools are offering multi-million dollar NIL packages.
Kentucky’s robust NIL infrastructure gives it a competitive edge. Through partnerships with entities like The 15 Club and Athlete Advantage, UK basketball players have enjoyed some of the most lucrative NIL deals in the country. Jackson would likely land near the top of that pyramid.
“Kentucky is a blue blood, but they’re also adapting quickly to this new era,” said one national recruiting analyst. “That matters a lot to elite players. It’s not just about tradition—it’s about opportunity, visibility, and support.”
Timeline and Final Decision
Jackson is expected to announce his decision in the coming weeks—likely before the end of April. He wants to enroll in summer classes and join his new team’s off-season training program in June.
The delay in announcing is strategic. Jackson and his camp are reportedly evaluating roster turnover and transfer portal decisions across multiple programs before making a final commitment. He wants to ensure that he steps into a situation where he can thrive immediately and be showcased for a potential one-and-done path to the NBA.
“It’s a business decision at this point,” one AAU coach close to Jackson said. “He’s not just picking a school—he’s picking a launchpad.”
A Star on the Brink
Wherever Ian Jackson lands, his impact will be felt immediately. He’s the kind of player who can shift a program’s trajectory, boost ticket sales, energize a fan base, and lead deep tournament runs. Kentucky, under Mark Pope, could use a star like that to solidify its post-Calipari identity and remind the college basketball world that Lexington is still a place where greatness is born.
Fans will watch closely as Jackson approaches his decision. If he chooses Kentucky, expect an eruption of excitement in Big Blue Nation. If not, the program that lands him will instantly become must-watch TV.
Regardless, Ian Jackson’s next move promises to be one of the biggest dominoes in the 2025 college basketball offseason—and the countdown has officially begun.
