IU basketball recruiting: 2026 wing Sammy Jackson official visit primer

Indiana welcomes class of 2026 4-star wing Sammy Jackson to Bloomington this weekend for an official visit.

To help get you ready, below is a comprehensive look at Jackson, with everything you need to know as he arrives on campus Friday.

ESSENTIALS

Status — OFFERED (May, 2025)

-Class – 2026
-Hometown – Philadelphia, Pa.
-School – Roman Catholic
-Position – Wing
-Height – 6-foot-7
-Weight – 190
-AAU – Team Final (Nike EYBL)
-Average Ranking – 4-star (No. 90 in nation overall, No. 32 small forward)
-Primary Competition – Jackson has a final four of St. Joe’s, VCU, Texas and Indiana.

Other visits — Jackson previously visited St. Joseph’s June 3 and also has upcoming visits set with VCU (June 17) and Texas (June 23).

Timeline — Jackson will take his four visits and then announce his college decision on June 25.

Pedigree — Jackson is the son of former Temple star and longtime NBA player Marc Jackson. Jackson also has an older brother, class of 2025 power forward Shareef Jackson, who’s at Lafayette.

Indiana Connections — Jackson primarily talks to IU assistant coach Rod Clark.

Numbers — As a high school junior he averaged 13.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He made 51 threes on his junior season.

Jackson plays for Team Final in the Nike EYBL. He has averaged 10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists this spring while shooting 40.9% from three on 44 attempts.

RECRUITING SERVICE ASSESSMENTS

On3’s Jamie Shaw:

“The unique nature of Sammy Jackson’s game makes him very intriguing as a long-term prospect. Listed at 6-foot-7, his Team Final team ran a lot of their offense through him. Acting as an offensive hub in the half court, Jackson showed quick processing and an ability to consistently deliver on target and on time. He is a fluid athlete, but not the most explosive which did cause some troubles finishing at the rim. But his feel allowed his team to consistently create advantages through him on the floor. Jackson is just coming into his own as a player, discovering his confidence. He knocked down shots here and found consistent opportunities for his team. Stock-rising weekend for him.”

247Sports’ Eric Bossi:

“A 6-foot-7 do-it-all wing who has a way above average base of skills, he can play point guard for a stretch and then fluidly switch to playing as a small ball four man. He can shoot, he can pass and while he’s still a bit on the lean side, he’s got a tremendous frame to build on and should be able to blossom in a college room. There’s little doubt that he’s among the most versatile wings in the class.”

QUOTABLE

Jackson to On3’s Jamie Shaw on what he’s looking for in a school:

“I’m going to be looking at the plan that each school has for me. How they are looking to develop me as a person and a player. I’ll look at how each school values its relationships. I want a school that is going to put time into me. Wherever I’m going, I’m going to be there to stay. I’m not looking to go into the portal. So wherever I go, I’m going there to develop, win, and show my development on the court.”

Jackson to Zags Blog on Indiana:

“Coach Rod Clark and coach [Darian] DeVries, they did a good job of recruiting me. I talk to them a lot. They started talking to me about three weeks ago, but the amount of love and support they’re
showing me. I mean, that’s all it takes to get in my top four, no matter what the school is, where
it’s at. If a schools showing a lot of interest in me, I’m showing a lot of interest in them. [DeVries] sees me as a big guard or point forward/small forward that can handle the ball and dictate the offense. But he sees me as a big guard, and I’m looking forward to his first year there. I’m looking forward to seeing a new light, seeing them play next year, and looking to make a decision soon.”

Jackson to Shaw on his game:

“I’m a big guard,” Jackson told On3. “I can play point guard, shooting guard, small forward, you know, whatever is needed. I’m a big guard, and that is what I’d describe myself as. My ball handling has really improved; there are just not many people my size who can bring the ball up and put their team in an offense. My game has always been there, it’s all about the confidence now.”