SWAC Player of the Year Daeshun Ruffin enters transfer portal

The star guard led the Jackson State Tigers in scoring and assists this past season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:11am

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Daeshun Ruffin, the 2026 SWAC Player of the Year, has announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after a standout senior season at Jackson State University. The 5-foot-10 guard led the Tigers with 23.3 points and 5.3 assists per game, ranking fourth nationally in scoring.

Why it matters

Ruffin's decision to transfer comes shortly after Jackson State head coach Mo Williams resigned to take an assistant coaching job at Kentucky. Ruffin's departure is a major blow to the Tigers' roster and could make him one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal this offseason.

The details

In SWAC conference play, Ruffin averaged just over 30 points per game against league opponents, firmly establishing himself as the Tigers' go-to scorer. Ruffin began his college career at Ole Miss before transferring to Jackson State, and he will need to apply for an NCAA eligibility waiver to play next season.

  • Ruffin led the Tigers with 23.3 points and 5.3 assists per game during the 2025-26 season.
  • Ruffin was named the 2026 SWAC Player of the Year.
  • Jackson State head coach Mo Williams resigned on March 30, 2026.

The players

Daeshun Ruffin

A 5-foot-10 senior guard who led the Jackson State Tigers in scoring and assists this past season, earning SWAC Player of the Year honors.

Mo Williams

The former head coach of the Jackson State Tigers, who resigned on March 30, 2026 to take an assistant coaching job at the University of Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“Ruffin, who began his college career at Ole Miss before transferring to Jackson State, will need to apply for an NCAA eligibility waiver to play next season.”

— Daeshun Ruffin, Player

What’s next

Ruffin will need to apply for an NCAA eligibility waiver in order to play next season after entering the transfer portal.

The takeaway

Ruffin's decision to transfer from Jackson State is a significant loss for the Tigers, as he was one of the top scorers in the country this past season. His departure, coupled with the resignation of head coach Mo Williams, creates major roster uncertainty for Jackson State heading into the offseason.