Ian Jackson Shocks College Basketball by Turning Down Record NIL Deal to Recommit to North Carolina: Loyalty Over Luxury in Chapel Hill
In a bold, era-defining move, Ian Jackson—the top-ranked player in the 2025 class—has turned the recruiting world on its head.
Jackson, a 6’8” five-star phenom widely regarded as a future NBA lottery pick, stunned college basketball insiders this week by rejecting what insiders say was one of the most lucrative NIL offers ever extended to a high school player. Instead of chasing a bigger payday or brighter spotlight elsewhere, Jackson is returning to where his heart never truly left: the University of North Carolina.
“UNC just feels like home,” Jackson said in a statement that reverberated far beyond Tar Heel Nation. “This is where I belong—not just to grow my game, but to grow as a person.”
In the current recruiting climate—where name, image, and likeness (NIL) dollars dominate headlines and sway decisions—Jackson’s recommitment to North Carolina isn’t just surprising. It’s revolutionary.
Reports suggest Jackson was being courted by multiple high-powered programs with NIL packages reaching deep into seven-figure territory. But for Jackson, the tradition, culture, and legacy of UNC proved priceless.
His decision instantly reshapes the 2025 recruiting landscape and solidifies North Carolina’s class as one of the most compelling in the country. More importantly, it sends a message across the basketball world: some elite talents still value fit, family, and foundation over fast money.
Hubert Davis and his staff deserve major credit. Amid an arms race in college basketball that has increasingly felt transactional, they’ve fostered an environment that speaks to something deeper—and now, they have their centerpiece.
A Foundation for a Title Run?
With Jackson back in the fold, UNC’s future just got brighter—and its ceiling much higher. A talent like Jackson doesn’t just elevate a program—he attracts other elite prospects, galvanizes a fanbase, and re-establishes the Tar Heels as a force on the national stage.
His versatile, two-way game, built on elite length, athleticism, and emerging playmaking, makes him an instant difference-maker. More than a scorer, Jackson brings energy, IQ, and a relentless motor that fits perfectly into Davis’s evolving system.
Add him to a mix of high-upside freshmen, savvy transfers, and returning talent, and UNC suddenly looks like a program poised for a deep March run—if not multiple.
Cambridge Connection: UNC Eyes 7th-Year Wing as Final Roster Piece
While Jackson headlines UNC’s long-term future, head coach Hubert Davis is still actively shaping the immediate outlook for the 2025–26 roster—and he’s turning toward one of the most experienced players in all of college basketball.
Meet Devan Cambridge: a rugged, 6’6”, 210-pound wing who just received NCAA clearance for a seventh year of eligibility following back-to-back injury-shortened seasons at Texas Tech. And according to On3’s Joe Tipton, North Carolina was among the first programs to reach out.
That quick contact signals real interest. Though Cambridge isn’t a splashy name, he offers exactly what UNC is looking for to round out its current roster: veteran toughness, physical defense, and the kind of locker room presence that only 140+ games of college basketball can provide.
A Well-Traveled Warrior
Cambridge’s basketball journey is nothing short of remarkable. He began his career as part of Bruce Pearl’s 2019 Auburn squad, playing meaningful minutes for the Tigers in three consecutive seasons. He then transferred to Arizona State for a year, contributing solid production and versatility before ultimately landing at Texas Tech.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed his time in Lubbock. He appeared in just 14 total games across two seasons but managed to secure a medical hardship waiver—a rare but well-earned seventh year that’s reignited his recruitment.
And now, he’s fully healthy and drawing widespread attention.
UNC Among Six Programs in the Mix
In the hours following the waiver announcement, Cambridge received interest from a who’s who of major programs: North Carolina, Ohio State, Pittsburgh (where he has an official visit scheduled next week), Arizona, Seton Hall, Arizona State, and Pepperdine.
While some schools are eyeing him for depth, UNC sees something more: a final puzzle piece.
With their roster nearing completion—highlighted by the additions of Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar, a top-30 portal talent, and several rising stars—UNC is searching for someone who brings experience, versatility, and mature leadership. Cambridge checks every box.
Over his career, he’s logged 1,016 points, 536 rebounds, 83 steals, and 71 blocks, and he owns a career field-goal percentage north of 50%. Though his three-point shot remains inconsistent (27.8%), his defense, rebounding, and high-motor play make him a high-value target.
What’s Next for the Heels?
The next few weeks will be critical. With Cambridge visiting Pitt, and multiple schools making strong pushes, the Tar Heels will need to act fast if they want to land their man. Hubert Davis has been selective with his final transfer spots—and adding someone with Cambridge’s mileage and toughness could be a difference-maker come March.
Combined with Ian Jackson’s seismic recommitment, UNC’s blend of future stars and grizzled veterans could soon rival any roster in the nation.
The message out of Chapel Hill is clear: the Tar Heels are back—and they’re not just building for the future. They’re building to win now.
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