Kansas Guard Elmarko Jackson Enters Transfer Portal

Jackson is the fourth Jayhawks player to enter the portal this offseason.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Kansas basketball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of crimson red, royal blue, and sunflower yellow, conveying the fractured state of the team's roster.The departure of Elmarko Jackson and other Kansas players creates a fragmented roster that the Jayhawks must rebuild through a new geometric lens.Tipton Today

Kansas basketball guard Elmarko Jackson has announced he is entering the NCAA transfer portal. Jackson is the fourth Jayhawks player to do so this offseason, joining Bryson Tiller, Paul Mbiya, and Jamari McDowell. While Jackson struggled to find consistent playing time and production during his two seasons at Kansas, he was known for his hustle, defense, and three-point shooting ability.

Why it matters

The loss of Jackson, along with several other key players, will force Kansas to rebuild its roster and rotation heading into the 2026-27 season. The Jayhawks will need to find replacements for the departed players and determine how to best utilize their returning talent and incoming recruits.

The details

After a difficult freshman season in 2023-24, Jackson redshirted the following year due to a leg injury. He returned this past season and averaged 4.8 points, 1.4 assists, and 17.8 minutes per game. While his statistical output was limited, Jackson was praised for his defensive intensity and 37.2% three-point shooting. With several other players also leaving the program, Jackson's departure creates more uncertainty around the Jayhawks' backcourt depth and rotation for next season.

  • Elmarko Jackson announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on April 6, 2026.

The players

Elmarko Jackson

A guard who played two seasons for the Kansas Jayhawks, known for his hustle, defense, and three-point shooting ability.

Bryson Tiller

Another Kansas player who has entered the transfer portal this offseason.

Paul Mbiya

Another Kansas player who has entered the transfer portal this offseason.

Jamari McDowell

Another Kansas player who has entered the transfer portal this offseason.

Davion Adkins

An incoming recruit for Kansas who was listed as an interior player.

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What they’re saying

“Elmarko Jackson's decision to enter the transfer portal should result in more minutes”

— Joe Tipton

What’s next

Kansas will need to continue rebuilding its roster and rotation for the 2026-27 season, determining how to best utilize its returning players and incoming recruits to replace the production and minutes lost from the departing transfers.

The takeaway

The loss of Elmarko Jackson, along with several other key players, is a significant challenge for the Kansas Jayhawks as they look to rebuild their roster and rotation heading into next season. The program will need to identify new contributors and find ways to maintain its competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference.