The Pitt Panthers have added a new frontcourt player from the transfer portal, officially signing talented center for the upcoming season, as announced in a press release following his commitment.
He, originally from Oakland, California, played high school basketball at St. Patrick-St. Vincent in Vallejo. In his senior year, he averaged 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, leading his team to the Division II NorCal State Championship. That season, they finished with a 26–11 record, and Jackson earned Second Team All-League and Third Team All-NorCal honors. Notably, he also won a state championship as a freshman.
In the Class of 2020, Jackson was rated a four-star recruit by both 247Sports and ESPN. 247Sports ranked him as the 27th-best center and 19th-best player in California, while ESPN listed him 28th among centers and 15th in the state.
Jackson began his college career at Washington State, appearing in 24 games and starting 13 as a freshman during the 2020–21 season. He averaged 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game over 20.3 minutes, shooting 48.4% from the field and 67.5% from the line.
As a sophomore, his role slightly decreased. He played in 25 games with six starts, averaging 6.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 16.3 minutes per game. His shooting improved to 55.0% from the floor and 62.5% from the free throw line. He missed the 2022–23 season due to medical issues and took a redshirt year.
Jackson transferred to Charlotte for the 2023–24 season, where he started all 30 games. He posted averages of 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 54.4% from the field and 72.0% at the line.
Last season, he transferred to Iowa State and started all 35 games, helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament’s Second Round. He contributed 8.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game over 18.7 minutes, shooting 58.0% from the floor and 72.0% from the free throw line.
Jackson is one of two players Pitt has picked up through the portal so far this offseason, joining Iowa State guard Nojus Indrusaitis, who has not yet officially signed.
The Panthers are in urgent need of reinforcements, having lost six players to the transfer portal already. Departures include All-ACC Third Team guard Jaland Lowe, who transferred to Kentucky, along with Amsal Delalić, and forwards Papa Amadou Kante, Marlon Barnes Jr., and twins Jorge and Guillermo Diaz Graham.
In addition, three key starters graduated: guards Ish Leggett and Damian Dunn, and forward Zack Austin, a member of the ACC All-Defensive Team.
As of now, Pitt has only four returning players: forwards Cameron Corhen and Amdy Ndiaye, guard Brandin “Beebah” Cummings, and incoming freshman guard Omari Witherspoon from St. John’s College in Washington, D.C.
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