Shock Decision: Nation’s No. 1 Recruit Ian Jackson Turns Down Massive NIL Deal to Recommit to UNC!

Top 2025 Star Ian Jackson Stuns College Hoops World by Rejecting Huge NIL Deal to Recommit to UNC Tar Heels

In a dramatic twist that’s shaking up the recruiting scene, Ian Jalen Patrick Jackson, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class, has turned down one of the biggest NIL offers ever made to a high school player—and is heading back to where his heart has always been: Chapel Hill.

Despite intense pressure and jaw-dropping offers from powerhouse programs across the country, the 6’8″ phenom chose loyalty over luxury, recommitting to North Carolina and reaffirming his love for the Tar Heels’ legacy, culture, and vision.

“UNC just feels like home,” Jackson said. “This is where I belong—not just to grow my game, but to grow as a person.”

Jackson’s move is already being hailed as one of the boldest and most meaningful recruiting decisions of the NIL era. It’s not just a win for head coach Hubert Davis and the UNC faithful—it’s a powerful statement that some players still value tradition, family, and fit over fast cash.

With a talent-packed 2025 class shaping up around him, Jackson’s commitment adds fuel to the belief that UNC is building something special—and potentially title-worthy. Get ready, Tar Heel Nation. Your future just got even brighter.

UNC basketball associated with a 7th-year forward available in the transfer portal.

Hubert Davis Eyes Veteran Wing as UNC Fills Final 2025-26 Spots

Hubert Davis isn’t done reshaping North Carolina’s 2025–26 basketball roster—and it looks like he’s casting his net for seasoned experience. Enter Devan Cambridge, the well-traveled Texas Tech forward who just received the green light for a rare seventh year of college eligibility.

Now back on the market, Cambridge is searching for a fresh start, and UNC has reportedly reached out, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. Though no official visit has been scheduled yet, the Tar Heels are keeping close tabs on the 6’6”, 210-pound wing.

Cambridge’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Originally part of Auburn’s 2019 class, he spent three seasons with the Tigers, moved on to Arizona State for a year, and most recently, played two injury-shortened seasons at Texas Tech. In his latest stint, he appeared in just six games, averaging 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds before stepping away from the team mid-season in pursuit of a hardship waiver—and likely more playing time.

Though not a headline-grabbing name, Cambridge offers something UNC desperately needs: veteran leadership, physicality on the wing, and a battle-tested mentality. With the Heels missing out on high-profile targets like Andrej Stojakovic, Davis may soon be forced to make a move, and Cambridge could be one of the few experienced options left on the board.

With roster spots dwindling and time ticking, all eyes are on Davis to make his next move. Could Cambridge be Chapel Hill-bound?

Quick Contact with Newly Eligible Transfer Talent by UNC Basketball

The UNC basketball coaching staff might be eyeing Devan Cambridge as the final piece to complete their 2025–26 roster puzzle

On Thursday afternoon, Joe Tipton of On3 reported a major development: the NCAA has granted Texas Tech transfer Devan Cambridge a medical hardship waiver, officially giving him a rare seventh year of college eligibility. Just a few hours later, Tipton revealed that the Tar Heel coaches had already reached out—wasting no time in expressing interest.

Cambridge, a rugged 6-foot-6, 210-pound forward, has bounced back from injury setbacks that limited him to only 14 games over two seasons at Texas Tech. Before that, he showcased his talent with impactful runs at Auburn and Arizona State. Now fully healthy, the 24-year-old Nashville native is drawing attention from multiple programs, including Ohio State, Pitt, Arizona, Arizona State, Seton Hall, and Pepperdine. He’s slated to visit Pitt next week as the recruitment race heats up.

Across his well-traveled collegiate career, Cambridge has appeared in 141 games, notching 78 starts while amassing 1,016 points, 536 rebounds, 83 steals, and 71 blocks. Though his sample size at Texas Tech was small, he impressed with a 54.5% field goal clip. His three-point shooting remains a work in progress (27.8%), but his physicality and experience make him a coveted asset.

The Tar Heels have already landed a loaded transfer class this offseason, including former Arizona big man Henri Veesaar, who ranks No. 30 in the transfer portal according to 247Sports. Adding a battle-tested veteran like Cambridge could be the final spark for a deep tournament run.