Ian Jackson’s first transfer portal visit brings Arkansas fans’ worst nightmare closer to reality.

Back in 2024, when John Calipari was still at Kentucky, he came up just short in the race for five-star wing Ian Jackson. Now at Arkansas, he’s once again at risk of finishing second in his pursuit of the dynamic scorer.

Jackson entered the transfer portal after putting up 11.9 points per game as a freshman at North Carolina. Almost immediately, Arkansas and St. John’s emerged as the frontrunners—setting up a high-stakes recruiting battle between Calipari and his longtime rival, former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino. For Arkansas fans, the fear has always been that the New York City native might lean toward returning home. With Jackson’s first visit now scheduled, those concerns are starting to feel a little too real.

North Carolina Transfer Ian Jackson to Visit St. John’s

Ian Jackson has quickly lined up a visit to St. John’s, and on paper, it looks like an ideal match—especially if the former five-star prospect is eyeing a homecoming. The Red Storm badly need a player like Jackson, and with Rick Pitino opting out of high school recruiting this cycle, he’s under pressure to reload his roster through the portal.

St. John’s is looking to fill major holes left by Deivon Smith, Kadary Richmond, and RJ Luis Jr.—all of whom unexpectedly entered the transfer portal or declared for the NBA Draft, even after Luis was named Big East Player of the Year. Jackson would be a major boost on the wing, providing the kind of shot-making the Johnnies sorely lacked. Last season, they finished outside the top 300 nationally in three-point percentage, a weakness Arkansas exploited in the NCAA Tournament’s second round.

Ironically, Arkansas also struggled from deep in March and could use Jackson’s scoring punch just as much. Both Pitino and Calipari have built reputations for developing NBA-caliber guards, so the 6-foot-4 Jackson, who still hopes to be one-and-done, would be in good hands either way.

But with St. John’s just a quick trip from Jackson’s Bronx roots, Arkansas may have to come through with a significant NIL offer to keep from losing out—again.