Ian Jackson’s Return Gives St. John’s a Key Piece Amid Major Roster Turnover

The St. John’s Red Storm are entering a transitional period following a successful run to the 2026 NCAA Sweet Sixteen, but the roster landscape for next season looks significantly different. Despite major departures, the program received a crucial boost with the confirmed return of guard Ian Jackson.

Jackson, who transferred from North Carolina and played his sophomore season under head coach Rick Pitino, announced he will remain with St. John’s for the 2026–27 campaign. The decision came on the final day of the transfer portal window, solidifying an important return for the Red Storm.

The team, however, will have to replace its entire top-three scoring trio from last season’s postseason run. That group included Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, and Oziyah Sellers, all of whom have exhausted their eligibility.

Despite those losses, Jackson’s return gives St. John’s a foundational piece as it reshapes its roster for another competitive season.

1. Jackson Becomes a Central Returning Piece

Jackson is now positioned as the Red Storm’s leading returning scorer after averaging 9.4 points per game during his sophomore season. While his statistical output was modest, his role expanded as the year progressed. The Bronx native arrived at St. John’s as a former five-star recruit and top-10 national prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. Expectations have followed him since his high school career, where he was viewed as one of the most dynamic guards in the country. His first season in Pitino’s system involved adjustments, but flashes of his scoring ability and athletic upside suggested room for significant growth. Coaches have remained confident in his long-term development. With a larger role expected next season, Jackson is now widely viewed as a breakout candidate heading into 2026–27.

2. Major Offseason Movement Around the Program

Jackson’s return comes at a critical time for St. John’s, which is undergoing major roster changes following its postseason success. The departure of three primary scorers leaves significant production gaps. Those losses include Ejiofor, Hopkins, and Sellers, all key contributors during the team’s deep tournament run. Their departure marks the end of a veteran core that helped stabilize the program’s rise. At the same time, St. John’s has been active in the transfer portal to offset departures. One major addition is Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman, a former five-star recruit who brings immediate scoring potential. Freeman’s arrival, combined with Jackson’s return, gives the coaching staff at least two high-level building blocks for the next roster iteration.

3. New Core Emerging Under Pitino

With multiple departures and additions, Pitino is shaping a new foundation for the program centered around Jackson, Freeman, and returning contributor Ruben Prey. That trio is expected to anchor the rotation heading into the new season. However, roster instability remains a concern. The program also lost guards Dylan Darling and Joson Sanon, along with four-star recruit Imran Soljanovic, who decommitted and signed with New Mexico. These changes highlight the volatility of modern roster construction, where portal movement can rapidly reshape expectations from one season to the next. Even so, Jackson’s return provides continuity and a potential centerpiece for Pitino’s long-term vision as St. John’s looks to sustain its recent success.