UConn’s Jaylin Stewart is set to leave the Huskies as he’s entering the transfer portal. Stewart joined the program in 2023 and was a part of the 2024 NCAA Championship-winning UConn roster.
Stewart didn’t get a lot of time on the floor in his first season, averaging under nine minutes per game. However, the championship win and his development earned him nearly 18 minutes per game in the following season.
This year, he played 16.2 minutes per game in 32 total outings. Stewart was a starter in 12 games, and he averaged 4.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. The UConn Huskies made it to the national championship game, where they lost 63-69 against the Michigan Wolverines.
Stewart is now looking for more playing time, which wasn’t guaranteed at UConn. As per his stepfather, Jamar Jones, the 21-year-old forward didn’t want to leave the Huskies, but he had to make the tough call in his best interest.
“He had fun at UConn. There was never anything negative about fans, coaches, teammates, anyone out of his mouth. The parents looked out for him like their own son when I wasn’t there,” Jones said, as per CT Insider. “I honestly didn’t think he was going to leave. He never planned on leaving UConn. It was a very, very hard decision for him. That’s home, man.”
Now that he has decided to leave, there are a few good options he can explore. As a 6’7 forward who has shown growth in the last two seasons and carries championship experience, Stewart will have multiple offers on the table.
Five Potential Landing Spots for Jaylin Stewart
Washington Huskies
A great homecoming story is pretty hard to beat. Stewart grew up in Seattle, Washington, and attended Garfield High School. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game in his senior year.
This has the potential to be more than just a homecoming story. The Washington Huskies are experiencing a mass exodus. So, Stewart will have a bigger role, get significantly more time, and his UConn experience will give him the advantage.
USC Trojans
Stewart has a family connection with the USC Trojans. His father, Lodrick Stewart, and his uncle, Rodrick, were stars at USC in the mid-2000s. The Trojans under Eric Musselman are looking to retool their roster for the next season.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels recently fired head coach Hubert Davis and brought in Michael Malone. This will be his first college head coaching stint. The Tar Heels have had a disappointing run in recent years, including a first-round exit in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The Tar Heels would be monitoring Stewart’s situation because he can be beneficial for their rebuilding process.
St. John’s Red Storm
The St. John’s Red Storm have turned things around since Rick Pitino took over as head coach. They’ve made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 appearance this year.
The next big step for the Red Storm is winning the national title, and Pitino’s team can benefit from Stewart’s championship experience with UConn.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide has had a great run under Nate Oats. Five Sweet 16 appearances, including two Elite Eight and one Final Four, since he joined in 2019. The program is still looking for its first national title. Oats’ system is best suited for Stewart as a 6’7 forward.
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