Jackson State star enters transfer portal

Daeshun Ruffin, one of the top players in the SWAC, plans to leave the program.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the disruption caused by a key player's transfer.Ruffin's departure leaves Jackson State's basketball program facing an uncertain future.Jackson Today

Daeshun Ruffin, a standout basketball player for Jackson State University, has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Ruffin, who was a key contributor for the Tigers, is seeking new opportunities to continue his collegiate career.

Why it matters

Ruffin's decision to transfer is a significant loss for the Jackson State program, as he was one of their top players. His departure could impact the team's performance and recruiting efforts going forward.

The details

Ruffin, a junior guard, averaged 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season for the Tigers. He was a crucial part of the team's success and helped lead them to a 16-16 record. Ruffin's decision to enter the transfer portal comes as a surprise, as he was expected to be a leader for the team this upcoming season.

  • Ruffin announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on March 30, 2026.

The players

Daeshun Ruffin

A junior guard for the Jackson State Tigers basketball team who was one of the top players in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Mo Williams

The head coach of the Jackson State Tigers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Daeshun Ruffin has been a key player for us, and we're disappointed to see him enter the transfer portal. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

— Mo Williams, Head Coach, Jackson State Tigers

What’s next

Ruffin will now explore transfer options at other NCAA Division I programs, and Jackson State will need to find a way to replace his production on the court.

The takeaway

Ruffin's decision to transfer is a significant blow to the Jackson State basketball program, as he was one of their top players. The Tigers will need to quickly identify and recruit new talent to fill the void left by Ruffin's departure.