Transfer Guard Jacari White Commits to Virginia
New Virginia coach Ryan Odom is suddenly on a hot streak. The Cavaliers picked up their second transfer commitment in as many days. Former North Dakota State star Jacari White announced his decision to transfer to Virginia.
Virginia has landed a commitment from North Dakota State transfer guard Jacari White, he announced on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/BeCljs1dlt
— Hooz Got Next (@HoozGotNext) April 6, 2025
The 6’3” guard from Orlando averaged 17.1 points this season for the Bison, earning 2nd team All-Summit League honors. He’s ranked as this year’s 96th best transfer, according to On3Sports. White has one season of remaining eligibility.
What Jacari White Brings to Virginia
Jacari White is a graduate transfer. He spent his freshman year at the junior college level, State College of Florida, before transferring to North Dakota State where he played three seasons. Due a recent ruling, former junior college players who would normally have exhausted their eligibility this season were granted one extra year. White will be using that extra fifth year at Virginia.
New Virginia coach Ryan Odom loves three-point shooting. His first two transfer additions are both snipers. White finished second in the Summit League in three-point field goals this season, connecting on just under 40% of his attempts. Paired with fellow Virginia commit Sam Lewis, a 44% shooter from deep at Toledo, they form quite the long range duo.
While shooting is certainly White’s main strength, that isn't all there is to his game. His all-round offensive skillset blossomed this season, averaging career-highs nearly across the board. He’s become a more aggressive driver, drawing fouls at a much higher rate this year. As an 85% foul shooter, UVA wants him at the line as much as possible. And while he’s predominately an off-ball guard, he does bring some playmaking ability and is a good passer, averaging 2.3 assists this year.
North Dakota State was a poor defensive team. That end of the court will be the biggest adjustment for White, moving up in level to ACC competition. He’s an above average athlete with good length, so the tools are there to be solid defensively. Ryan Odom will just need to bring it out of him. The culture at Virginia will certainly be different, in terms of expectations defensively.
Another great addition for Virginia. Fits extremely well into Ryan Odom’s style. He’ll very likely be in the starting lineup next season.
New Era of Recruiting
There was no sign of Virginia involvement in Jacari White’s recruitment, until rumors began to spread over the last 24 hours of his potential commitment. On Wednesday, he named finalists–Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Texas, and Houston. No mention of the Cavaliers.
White had reportedly taken visits to Virginia Tech and Texas before releasing the list of finalists earlier this week. He hasn’t visited UVA yet. The same is true for former Toledo guard Sam Lewis, who committed to Virginia on Saturday.
This is one of the best examples I’ve seen that we’re in a completely new era of recruiting, at least when it comes to transfers. The old norms don’t necessarily apply anymore. Agents and NIL negotiations are at the forefront more than ever. Coaches are learning how to play the game, evolving in their tactics.
As we’re seeing, the new UVA staff is very comfortable operating in this environment. I know some fans don’t approve of everything that’s going on in college sports. But these last two transfer commitments were a masterclass by Ryan Odom and Associate Head Coach Griff Aldrich on how to use the recruiting calendar to their advantage. Extremely well-planned and executed to perfection.
Virginia’s Recruiting Going Forward
With the addition of Jacari White, Virginia is up to six projected players on the 2025-26 roster. It’s almost starting to look like a real team. Lots of work left to do obviously.
Virginia will need to make at least three, probably four, additions in the frontcourt. They’ve already missed out on a couple high-end targets, Nevada transfer Nick Davidson chose Clemson and Davidson transfer Reed Bailey committed to Indiana. But look for UVA to keep going after similar players. Odom will want at least one splash addition up front, likely two veterans.
VCU transfer Luke Bangboye, a recent visitor, is part of that frontcourt equation. He’s still very much in play. As is VCU transfer guard Brandon Jennings, who also visited.
The other major hole is at point guard, where they’ll want another high-end transfer. Look for that to be a main focus coming up. Oklahoma transfer Duke Miles is reportedly planning to visit. Obviously one to watch. Troy transfer Tayton Conerway, the Sun Belt Player of the Year, could be another one. We’ll see what comes up. The two guard additions allow UVA to take their time if they want to get the right player, whether that’s a true point guard or a combo. The presence of incoming freshman Chance Mallory at PG gives them some flexibility.
In all, we’re probably looking at at least six players, maybe seven or eight, before the roster is finished. Nothing is off the table. New names will surely pop up, and things will move quickly. As we’ve learned, recruits don’t even need to visit these days.
Final Thoughts
Exciting times. Jacari White and Sam Lewis are big time offensive weapons. A great foundation to start this roster remake. I hope fans realize now they can relax. Ryan Odom and his staff know what they’re doing. They’ve done this before, and may actually be ahead of the curve at playing the portal game. UVA has taken their hits from the portal, now they're getting back.
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(Featured Image Credit: NDSU Athletics)