There has been a flurry of recruiting updates for many class of 2026 prospects. One of the most notable was Jaxon Richardson, a 6’6 wing prospect who, per 247sports, is a five-star prospect. He’s an elite offensive player and three-way scorer, the son of former Michigan State great Jason and brother of former Spartan freshman star Jase Richardson.
However, the big news was Jaxon opting not to include Michigan State among his 10 options, instead choosing to take a new path. But if it’s not the Spartans, where will the young Richardson end up? Here’s a closer look at how he’d fit with each of them.
NEWS: Jaxon Richardson, the No. 19 overall prospect in the class of 2026, has cut his list down to 10 schools, sources tell @247Sports
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) July 8, 2025
Story: https://t.co/Cg4lX4sS1T pic.twitter.com/t4A27sHlFN
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide is likely to run a three-guard lineup next season with several ball-handlers set to get minutes. Four-star freshman Amari Allen will get minutes but Richardson would be a big boost for the 2026-27 roster. Alabama's offense has been one of the best in the Coach Nate Oats era and this prospect could thrive as a potential focal point.
Cincy Bearcats
Cincy's likely starter on the wing will be Shon Abaev, a five-star incoming freshman with plenty of talent in his own right. There's a chance he's a one-and-done but if not, there could be an issue with how Richardson would fit into the offense, which has been one of the worst in the Big 12 in the past couple of years.
Creighton Bluejays
The wing position is the most open on paper for Creighton next season, with options such as Howard transfer Blake Harper, former Miami wing Austin Swartz, as well as incoming four-star freshman Hudson Greer. Creighton also has a four-star class of 2026 commit in Jaidyn Coon on board. Considering that the Bluejays have senior guards on the roster, they may focus more on ball-handlers to add to the class than a wing.
Louisville Cardinals
The wing situation is clear for Louisville next season, as senior transfers Ryan Conwell and Isaac McKneely will get most of the minutes there. The only other wing option who’d be around would be Khani Rooths, and he’s more of a combo option. There’s plenty of space for Richardson, and based on the play of leading scorer Terrence Edwards, the wing can be a go-to option for the Cardinals.
Miami Hurricanes
The projected starting wing for the Hurricanes is Shelton Henderson, a former Duke commit and 5-star prospect. If he ends up being a one-and-done player for the NBA, the path would be wide open for Richardson to come in and be the next starter. Of course, they could also play together on the floor if Henderson opts to return for another year as well.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan's likely going to start senior Nimari Burnett at the three-star next season. Outside of him, there's also a pair of four-star caliber freshmen wings on the roster in Winters Grady and Ricky Liburd. On paper, Richardson is better than them and could start as a freshman. More importantly, landing a player with Michigan State family connections would be a massive recruiting win for the Wolverines.
Ole Miss Rebels
The likely starting wing for the Rebels will be Kansas transfer AJ Storr. Outside of him, the team has four-star prospect Tylis Jordan, but not much depth on the wings. After losing so much backcourt production from this past year, prioritizing a key scorer in the 2026 class makes sense and Richardson would be able to get a nice role in the SEC as a freshman.
Seton Hall Pirates
It's another new roster for Coach Shaheen Holloway, as a bunch of newcomers will look to make them competitive in the Big East. Compared to the other options, this one would allow Richardson to have the most significant role possible from the outset, but would also be the least likely to win games in 2026-27.
USC Trojans
USC has plenty of senior forwards who'll get minutes at the three-spot, including transfers, Ezra Ausar, Amarion Dickerson, and Chad Baker-Mazara. So, yes, there would be plenty of room for Richardson at the LA option. However, knowing Coach Eric Musselman will get a bunch of transfers a year from now as well, the prospect could be walking into another logjam on the wings.
Villanova Wildcats
The new-look roster 1st-year HC Kevin Willard has brought in is solid but lacks a true wing, with Temple transfer Zion Stanford set to get the role. On paper, Richardson would be a big addition to Villanova and likely be a focal point as a freshman. And unlike Seton Hall, the five-star prospect will still have a solid shot at making the NCAA Tournament here.