Ian Jackson may play under a familiar coach next season.

Ian Jackson, a former 5-star recruit and standout freshman at North Carolina, made headlines this week by entering the NCAA transfer portal. A McDonald’s All-American out of Our Saviour Lutheran School in the Bronx, New York, Jackson now appears to be eyeing a return to his hometown.

According to 247 Sports recruiting analyst Travis Branham, Rick Pitino and St. John’s are emerging as the frontrunners to land Jackson. “Heading home is the likeliest situation,” Branham said on the College Basketball Show. “St. John’s is definitely in the market for guards after losing Deivon Smith, Kadary Richmond, and RJ Luis. I anticipate St. John’s will be a big player in this recruitment, probably the team to beat.”

Jackson, who ranked No. 8 overall in the 2024 class when he chose UNC over Kentucky, is now rated as the No. 7 overall player and No. 2 shooting guard in the transfer portal by 247 Sports.

While Arkansas and John Calipari are considered possible contenders in the recruitment, there’s been no reported contact between Jackson and Kentucky’s new head coach, Mark Pope. Still, with Arkansas losing veteran guard Johnell Davis, Calipari and the Razorbacks could make a strong push. Despite two incoming 5-star freshmen, Arkansas needs more experience in its backcourt.

Jackson averaged 11.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range, earning a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team. His scoring and shooting make him a valuable addition for any team, but signs point to a homecoming with St. John’s as the most likely outcome.