Mississippi State star forward Rickea Jackson announced Monday that she is entering the transfer portal and leaving the Bulldogs after three years in Starkville. The loss of Jackson is a big blow to the team’s hopes this season, and unfortunately for the program is just the latest in a growing list of player exits. 

Jackson, the Southeastern Conference’s leading scorer, was averaging 20.3 points per game as well as 6.8 rebounds and 1 assist for the 2021-22 campaign before entering the transfer portal. She led the team in the first two categories. 

Her prolific scoring is crucial to the Bulldogs’ gameplan, and her exit exacerbates the team’s lack of size and personnel. The team will rely on their guard trio of Anastasia Hayes, Myah Taylor, and JerKaila Jordan even more now for scoring. 

Jackson shared a statement on social media announcing her departure Monday evening.

“First and foremost, I would like to say that my time in Starkville has been absolutely amazing,” she said. “It was always a dream to play in the SEC, and Hail State gave me that incredible opportunity. I have grown so much as an individual and as a basketball player over the past 3 years. Starkville became home and I will always be a part of the Mississippi State family. With that being said, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal and find a new place to call home. Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

The Bulldogs carry on without Jackson on Thursday against Missouri at Humphrey Coliseum.