Big East Transfer Duos Who Will Make an Impact in 2025-26: A Deep Dive
The college basketball landscape is evolving rapidly, with transfer classes becoming the new norm. Teams now recruit a large number of players for a single season, leaving fans adjusting to frequent changes in their favorite players' lineups. This dynamic has made it challenging to predict which incoming transfers will shine, especially with high-profile coaches like Rick Pitino and Thad Matta bringing in numerous new talents.
In this article, we delve into three standout transfer duos in the Big East, each with the potential to make a significant impact in the 2025-26 season. These pairs bring unique skills and dynamics that could shape their respective teams' success.
Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins: Red Storm's Dynamic Duo
St. John's welcomes Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins, a powerful duo that could be a game-changer for the Red Storm. Jackson, a former five-star recruit, had a solid but uninspiring season at North Carolina, averaging 11.9 points per game. However, with Pitino's guidance, he might unlock his full potential, becoming a pivotal transfer in the conference. His ability to score and create plays could be transformative.
Hopkins, a senior, is no stranger to the Red Storm, having scored 29 points against them during his sophomore year with Providence. He's a double-double threat and an All-Big East First Team member from 2023. Despite playing only three games last season due to injury, Hopkins averaged 17 points and over seven rebounds. His presence in Pitino's system will be invaluable if he stays healthy.
Josh Dix and Owen Freeman: Creighton's Offense-Focused Duo
Creighton's new era, post-Ryan Kalkbrenner, is marked by the acquisition of Owen Freeman, the former Big Ten Freshman of the Year from Iowa. Although a hand injury cut his season short, Freeman was a scoring machine, averaging over 16 points per game. His starting role in all 19 games he played for the Hawkeyes showcases his reliability.
Josh Dix, another former starter at Iowa, is a natural fit to work with Freeman. With two years of starting experience, Dix's junior year saw him average over 14 points per game. His consistent shooting, especially from behind the arc, makes him a valuable asset. McDermott's decision to pair these two players is strategic, as they already know each other's game, requiring less time to adjust.
Jalen Jackson and Michael Ajayi: Butler's High-Scoring Duo
Butler's hopes for a turnaround under Thad Matta rest heavily on the shoulders of Jalen Jackson and Michael Ajayi. Jackson, a standout in the Horizon League, averaged 19.2 points per game and earned back-to-back All-Horizon League honors. With the ball in his hands, he'll be a significant threat.
The question for Butler is whether they'll get the dominant Ajayi from Pepperdine, who led the West Coast Conference with 17.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. If so, the Bulldogs will be a force. However, if Ajayi struggles, as he did at Gonzaga, Butler's defense, one of the worst in the conference last year, could be a liability. The success of this duo hinges on Ajayi's performance and his ability to stay on the court.
These transfer duos bring exciting possibilities to the Big East, each with the potential to shape their teams' fortunes in the upcoming season. As the conference continues to evolve, these players could be the catalysts for significant changes in the basketball world.
