The Houston Cougars women’s basketball program is set to lose a promising young piece, as freshman forward Jade Jones intends to enter the transfer portal following her first collegiate season.
Jones, a 5-foot-10 forward out of The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, will have three years of eligibility remaining as she begins the search for a new program.
During the 2025–26 season, Jones appeared in 30 games while averaging 22.0 minutes per contest. She posted 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, showing flashes of her versatility on both ends of the floor. Despite modest overall numbers, her impact grew as the season progressed, particularly when given increased opportunities.
Her breakout stretch came early in the season, earning her Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Week honors after averaging 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals across a three-game span. The recognition marked a milestone for Houston, as it was the program’s first Big 12 weekly award since joining the conference in 2023.
Jones made headlines during that stretch with several standout performances. She scored 14 points and grabbed four steals against Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks, including a dominant third quarter. Shortly after, she earned her first career start against UTRGV Vaqueros women’s basketball, where she dropped a career-high 18 points and hit a game winning buzzer beater securing Houston’s first road victory in nearly a year.
She followed that performance with her first collegiate double double, recording 16 points and 12 rebounds against High Point Panthers women’s basketball.
Jones’ decision to enter the portal comes at a time when many young players are seeking larger roles or different fits. With her size, defensive ability, and flashes of scoring upside, she is expected to draw interest from multiple programs looking to add a developing forward with high potential.
Her departure marks another shift for Houston as the program continues to navigate roster changes in the evolving landscape of college basketball.
