Forward Jayden Ross won two national championships with UConn as a reserve in his first two seasons. A reliable backup but not a star.

In the 2026-27 season, a likely starting role – and a chance to make a difference in the biggest moments – awaits the 6-foot-7 Ross.

That’s what CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein, who visited Huskies practice in Storrs, Conn., on Tuesday, thinks about the season ahead for Ross.

“Buying stock in Jayden Ross as a breakout guy in 2026-27,” Rothstein wrote after watching practice. “Much more comfortable taking and making three-point shots today in practice. Big season ahead.”

Ross, 22, entered UConn as part of the Class of 2023, a four-star prospect and a top 100 player in the nation, according to the 247Sports composite.

After starting his high school career at Saint James School in Hagerstown, Md., where he was teammates with Huskies guard Solo Ball, he transferred to Long Island Lutheran in Brookville, N.Y., for his senior season and averaged 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals. The team finished 21-2 record and won the New York State Federation Championship.

He won another title with UConn as a freshman in 2023-24 and duplicated the feat as a sophomore. There wasn’t a title as a junior – the Huskies narrowly lost to Michigan in the national championship game in April – but Ross played key minutes for the Huskies, especially when injuries impacted the roster. He provided a spark both offensively and defensively.

He played in 38 games and averaged 17.5 minutes, 4.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game last season. He added 30 steals and 15 blocks, and he shot 39.1% (25-of-64) from 3-point range.

Ross figures to slide into a starting lineup made up of transfer center Na'jai Hines (Seton Hall) and transfer forward Nik Khamenia (Duke). Himes and Khamenia, in effect, replace the graduated Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban.

Guards Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins return to form what could be the best backcourt in the nation. Ross is expected to assume the starting role held by Ball, who is out for the season following wrist surgery.

If a starting forward nod goes to touted freshman Colben Landrew, either Ross or Khamenia could serve as the sixth man.

Jaylin Stewart, another key sub for head coach Dan Hurley, transferred to SMU in the offseason, reportedly because he didn't see a path to steady minutes. Ross wanted to finish what he started with a fluorish.

“College basketball is a little different nowadays,” Ross told the media on April 28. “It’s hard to leave a place like this. I’ve been here three years now, you obviously want to finish it off strong.

"Had some great momentum toward the end of the season, so I had my meeting with Coach (Hurley) and it didn’t really make too much sense to go a different route. It’s always hard to leave a program like this when you know your heart’s just here and you’re surrounded by great people.”

Silas Demary Jr. is giving back to his – not one, but two – communites.

Through the Silas Demary Jr. Foundation, the UConn point guard is helping to collect and distribute school supplies to make the back-to-school season easier for families in the Hartford, Conn., and Raleigh, N.C., areas.

He is a Raleigh native who started his college career at Georgia before transferring to UConn prior to his junior season in 2025-26.

Kids can walk away with school supplies at no cost, and also get a free haircut to look sharp for the new year.

The official events will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Aug. 15 in Raleigh and Aug. 22 in Hartford. Before those days, local dropoffs of supplies are available at designated collection points (see below for city-specific information), and the foundation has both Venmo and PayPal accounts should anyone want to make a financial contribution toward supplies.

This is Demary's second year of sponsorship in Raleigh and first in Hartford. He is expected to attend both events.

RALEIGH EVENT:

HARTFORD EVENT:

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