Starfleet Academy Honors Deep Space Nine's Jake Sisko with Subtle Tribute

The return of Jake Sisko, played by Cirroc Lofton, features a meaningful Bajoran earring that connects him to his father's legacy.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In the fifth episode of Starfleet Academy, the series brings back Jake Sisko, the son of Captain Benjamin Sisko from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, for the first time in 27 years. While Jake's return is a welcome tribute to his iconic father, a subtle detail in his costume - a Bajoran earring - provides deeper insight into Jake's personal journey and connection to his father's legacy.

Why it matters

The inclusion of Jake's Bajoran earring is a meaningful nod to the close relationship between Jake and his father Benjamin, the Emissary of the Bajoran people. It suggests Jake has embraced his Bajoran heritage and possibly pursued studies related to his father's spiritual role, honoring Benjamin's lasting impact even decades later.

The details

In the episode, cadet Sam, the first sentient hologram to join Starfleet, seeks guidance from Jake, who has become a parent and finished writing a book about his father. Through their interactions, Sam gains a more intimate perspective on Benjamin Sisko as a multifaceted individual. Costume designer Cirroc Lofton, who reprises his role as Jake, confirmed the Bajoran earring was a collaborative creative decision to reflect Jake's personal growth and connection to his father's legacy.

  • Jake Sisko last appeared on screen 27 years ago in the series finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
  • Starfleet Academy Episode 5, featuring Jake's return, premiered in 2026.

The players

Jake Sisko

The son of Captain Benjamin Sisko from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, who has grown into a warm, wise, and content man after a 27-year absence from the screen.

Benjamin Sisko

The first Black lead captain in the Star Trek franchise, who served as the Emissary of the Bajoran people and had a close, nurturing relationship with his son Jake.

Sam

A cadet at Starfleet Academy who is the first sentient hologram to join Starfleet, and seeks guidance from Jake Sisko.

Illa Dax

A professor at Starfleet Academy and the guardian of Jake's unpublished book about his father, Benjamin Sisko.

Cirroc Lofton

The actor who portrayed Jake Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and reprised the role for Starfleet Academy, collaborating extensively on the character's development.

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What they’re saying

“Part of the creative process was creating the look for what Jake would look like. So we agreed on a Bajoran earring because maybe he would have decided to get into Bajoran studies, and pay homage to how his father has now become this big icon. So I believe he would have adopted some of that into his persona.”

— Cirroc Lofton, Actor who portrayed Jake Sisko (The 7th Rule* podcast)

What’s next

Starfleet Academy has further explored the lives of Deep Space Nine's beloved characters, providing long-awaited closure and recognition for Benjamin Sisko's enduring legacy as the franchise's first Black lead captain. Fans eagerly await to see if the series will continue delving into the stories of other Deep Space Nine alumni in future episodes.

The takeaway

Starfleet Academy's tribute to Jake Sisko and his father Benjamin not only honors two of Star Trek's most iconic characters, but also highlights the lasting impact of Deep Space Nine's groundbreaking representation and emotionally resonant storytelling. The subtle inclusion of Jake's Bajoran earring serves as a poignant reminder of the deep familial bond and spiritual connection that defined their relationship.