UConn’s Jaylin Stewart (3) celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game against Illinois at the Final Four, Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michael Conroy/Associated Press
UConn’s Jaylin Stewart speaks to members of the media before team practice as the Huskies prepare for the NCAA men’s Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, April 3, 2026.
Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media
UConn’s Jaylin Stewart (3) celebrates in the Final Four vs. Illinois at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis on April 4, 2026.
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima
Jaylin Stewart didn’t want to leave the UConn men’s basketball program. But he wanted to play more.
And so, with no assurances that he’d do so next season, after three years, two national championship games and a national championship ring, he’s now in the NCAA transfer portal.
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After a tear-filled meeting (on both sides) with Dan Hurley, Stewart’s announcement was reported on Friday afternoon. The Seattle native has already been contacted by more than a dozen schools, including a few rival Big East programs.
“I just hope he shines, flourishes and has fun,” said Jamar Jones, Stewart’s stepfather. “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.”
But the playing time wasn’t what he had hoped, particularly this season after eschewing the portal and a likely bigger payday last year to stay in Storrs. And Hurley and the staff, who love the kid and have nothing but positive feelings towards him, were honest about his chances for a much bigger role this upcoming season. No promises.
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And ultimately, no hard feelings.
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“No animosity,” Jones said. “If he felt he was an average player that couldn’t advance, he’d stay at UConn. But his goal is to get to the NBA, not just be a role player at UConn for his senior year. He wants to showcase what he can do.”
Stewart, a 6-foot-7 wing, might have been stuck in a logjam at that position next season. Jayden Ross, his three-year roommate who is “like his brother,” according to Jones, recently announced his return for his senior season. Braylon Mullins is still deciding whether or not go return to Storrs or go pro, but indications are that he may choose the former.
UConn is also bringing in national top-25 recruit Colben Landrew, a 6-6 wing, and is in a very strong position with Duke transfer Nik Khamenia, a 6-8 forward who visited Storrs this week.
In a perfect world, Stewart would fit in great as a tough wing off the bench. But that’s not what he’s looking for, and the staff understands this.
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Stewart began this season in the Huskies’ starting lineup with Mullins sidelined by injury. In 10 games as a starter, he averaged 6.4 points and 4 rebounds before Mullins replaced him in the starting five.
Stewart wound up averaging 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game this season. He missed more than a month with a knee injury and had a minor procedure to remove bone chips from his knee. Stewart sat out the entire Big East Tournament and UConn’s first two NCAA tourney wins over Furman and UCLA, though Stewart had been cleared to play before that.
Stewart returned to play just three first-half minutes against Michigan State (making the most of them by knocking down a 3-pointer and hitting a free throw for four points) and five against Duke.
He played seven minutes in the Final Four win over Illinois and nine in the national championship game loss to Michigan.
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Despite all that, according to Jones, “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.”
And in a way, it will always be for Stewart and his family.
“If a UConn game’s on,” Jones added, “I’ll still be cheering on Silas and Solo and Jayden and Braylon. There’s no bad tension or anything.”
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Just a tough decision based on the hope for more playing time somewhere else.
“It was worth it, though,” Jones said of Stewart’s three years in Storrs. “He fulfilled his dream. Time for the next bucket list.”