Jackson is going to be a HUGE pickup for whoever lands her. She was one of the top freshmen in the country a couple years ago and looked like a likely bet to be an All American as an upperclassman. Has lottery pick potential for next year's draft or in 2024 if she maximizes eligibility.
In terms of landing spots, my predictions are almost never accurate, but based on the landscape of each program and assuming Jackson wants to maximize her chances to win and improve as a player, I think she likely ends up in Texas or South Carolina.
Texas seems like the obvious front runner based on Vic being there and she flourished under his system. Texas is recruiting well and shaping up to be a powerhouse in the Big 12. Program has Final Four potential and I think she'd be the team's go to player from day 1.
South Carolina is another one that jumps out to me since they're likely the championship frontrunner (or at least in the mix) for the next couple of seasons and Dawn often seems to land these types of players. Plus SC was a finalist during her initial recruitment. Depending on how Dawn envisions her program going forward, I actually think adding in Jackson could muddle up chemistry based on there being too many talented players on the roster. There isn't a nice clean spot for Jackson to take, it'll mean many other players take on reduced roles, lose minutes or lose some freedoms on the court that go to Rickea now. I don't think Jackson would start over Beal but probably gets big minutes off the bench. That said, in Jackson restricts minutes for Rivers, Hall, Littleton and Russell. Her presence also likely changes Zia Cooke's role with the team and effectively changes SC's on court chemistry. They could ultimately be a better team, as Jackson is an All American caliber player and is better than anyone on SC besides Boston, but it will change the chemistry and dynamic that Dawn has built for the last 3 years with her 2019 class.
As for other schools mentioned:
UCONN-this would really surprise me considering UCONN's roster make up next year with Fudd/Ducharme returning, plus Patterson/Brady coming in. I don't think she ever had UCONN on her radar, but who knows.
Tennessee-logistically this would make a lot of sense. She could fill in for Rae Burrell's void, play alongside Horston and play for a team with a shot to make the Final Four. Her comment about fulfilling her dream of playing in the SEC makes me think she's not transferring to another SEC school though.
Louisville-if Smith returns it doesn't make sense logistically IMO. Louisville's 3 best players play 2-4, so I think there'd be somewhat of a log jam. It could happen though. Walz loves his transfers and is a good coach.
Maryland-a lineup of Owusu, Briggs, Miller, Jackson and Reese would be incredibly fun to watch. I'm not expecting it'll happen but it wouldn't shock me either.
LSU-Kim is another one who does great with transfers and Jackson could really elevate the program. I'm assuming Baton Rouge has more similarities to Starkville than most other programs if she's enjoying the south which could give them an edge. LSU likely isn't a title contender though and is in the SEC (noted above).
Ole Miss-definitely a possibility if she's enjoying Mississippi.
Baylor-I really don't see this one panning out. Baylor is clearly on a downward trajectory with similarities to Mississippi State's downward trajectory once Vic left. The roster will be depleted after this season too.
Michigan-can see her landing here if she wants to stay close to home. Better program than Michigan State.
Michigan State-they're not a very strong program so I think it's unlikely, but they are close to home.
