With the conclusion of the 2024-25 basketball season Monday, the transfer portal season is officially in full swing. It hasn't been an exciting period for Arkansas fans yet; as a matter of fact, it's been downright dead. However, some dominoes may start falling with the recruitment of North Carolina transfer and former 5-star Ian Jackson.
Ian Jackson to Arkansas?
Jackson Collier of HawgBeat confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) the rumors that John Calipari and Arkansas contacted the talented freshman. Coach Cal wasted no time putting his name in the hat as Jackson only officially entered the transfer portal on Monday, less than 24 hours before Collier's post.
On an otherwise unimpressive Tar Heels team, Jackson was the second-leading scorer behind RJ Davis, averaging 11.9 points while playing only 23.9 minutes a game. After a season of struggles from the 3-point line, Jackson would offer Arkansas help from deep, shooting 39.5 percent on 152 attempts.
In the middle of the season, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound shooting guard had a 12-game stretch with 11 double-digit points — seven of which were 20 or more. However, after UNC's loss to Duke in February, his minutes dwindled from 30-plus a game to the teens for much of the season's final leg.
The one issue with Jackson becoming a Razorback is the cast of guards around him. Darius Acuff, Meleek Thomas, and DJ Wagner (if he decides to return) are all ball-dominant guards. While Jackson is better at catching and shooting the three than anyone from this year's team, he still plays his best with the ball in his hand. Arkansas can't afford to have another team without a bona fide shooter. Maybe he, or the other guards, can adjust to playing in the corner, waiting for a 3-point shot, but it proved difficult for Johnell Davis this season.
UNC transfer guard Ian Jackson is one to watch for Arkansas.
— Michael Main (@MichaelMain__) April 7, 2025
The 6’4 freshman averaged 11.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 0.9 apg shooting 39.6% from three. Top 10 prospect out of HS, and Coach Cal was heavily involved in his recruitment a year ago 👀
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Regardless, Jackson would be just another lethal weapon at Calipari's disposal if he transferred to Fayetteville. Still, with the frontcourt down to one player (Trevon Brazile) and none in the upcoming recruiting class, Arkansas has a long way to go in the transfer portal.