Indiana Hoosiers women’s basketball program continues to build for the future with the addition of Zoe Jackson, a highly regarded Australian prospect in the class of 2026. Jackson, a 6-foot-2 forward with a versatile skill set, has committed to Indiana, choosing the Hoosiers over several other major programs that had expressed interest in her. Her decision marks another significant international acquisition for Indiana, reinforcing the program’s growing reputation for recruiting top talent from outside the United States.
Jackson’s commitment is a testament to Indiana’s expanding global scouting efforts, as the program has increasingly looked beyond American high school ranks to identify impact players. The Australian basketball pipeline has been particularly fruitful for college programs in recent years, and Jackson appears to be the latest in a long line of talented prospects to emerge from the country. Her size, mobility, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor make her a strong fit for Indiana’s system.
Known for her high basketball IQ and strong fundamentals, Jackson has impressed scouts with her ability to play multiple positions. She is comfortable operating in the post but also has the agility and skill to stretch the floor, making her a tough matchup for defenders. Her rebounding ability and defensive presence have also been noted as key strengths, which should help Indiana maintain its reputation as a team that thrives on toughness and physicality.
The recruitment of Jackson was highly competitive, with multiple programs making strong pushes to secure her commitment. She had garnered interest from schools in the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten, but Indiana’s track record of developing players and competing at a high level played a crucial role in her decision. Additionally, the coaching staff’s vision for how she fits within the team’s future plans was a significant factor in her choice.
Jackson has already gained experience competing at a high level, representing Australia in international competitions and playing against elite talent in her home country. Her exposure to high-intensity games at a young age has helped her develop a strong mental approach to the game, which should serve her well when transitioning to the college level. The physicality of the Big Ten will be an adjustment, but her background suggests she will be ready to embrace the challenge.
Indiana’s women’s basketball program has been on the rise in recent years, consistently competing for top positions in the Big Ten and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. The addition of Jackson helps secure the program’s future by bringing in a player who can contribute in multiple ways. With several key contributors expected to graduate by the time she arrives on campus, Jackson will have an opportunity to step into a meaningful role early in her college career.
For Jackson, the decision to leave Australia and play in the United States is a significant one, but it follows a path taken by many of her country’s top basketball players. The opportunity to develop in a competitive environment while receiving high-level coaching and education is a major draw for international prospects, and Indiana’s program provides a strong platform for growth.
Indiana’s coaching staff has made a concerted effort to expand its recruiting reach, and Jackson’s commitment is a reflection of that strategy paying off. By identifying talent outside the traditional recruiting regions, the Hoosiers continue to position themselves as a program that values skill development and versatility.
Jackson’s skill set should allow her to adapt well to Indiana’s system, which emphasizes both defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. Her ability to defend multiple positions will be an asset, as the Hoosiers have built their success in recent seasons on a foundation of strong team defense. Offensively, her combination of size and shooting touch could make her a key piece in Indiana’s attack.
As she prepares for her transition to college basketball, Jackson will continue developing her game while competing in Australia’s top youth leagues. The experience she gains over the next two years will be critical in preparing her for the challenges of playing at the Division I level. She has already shown a willingness to put in the work to improve, and that mindset should serve her well as she looks to make an impact in Bloomington.
The commitment of Jackson is another example of how Indiana is successfully blending domestic and international talent to build a competitive roster. As women’s college basketball continues to grow, programs that can identify and develop talent from different backgrounds will have an edge. Indiana has demonstrated a commitment to this approach, and Jackson’s addition is a sign that the Hoosiers are well-positioned to remain a force in the years ahead.
Her decision to commit early in the recruiting process provides stability for Indiana’s 2026 recruiting class and allows the coaching staff to continue building around her. With her commitment secured, Indiana can now focus on adding complementary pieces that will enhance the team’s long-term success.
For Hoosiers fans, the addition of Jackson brings excitement about what the future holds. As the program continues to grow and compete at the highest level, adding international talent like Jackson reinforces the idea that Indiana is a destination for top players from around the world.
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