Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Adds Versatile Guard Jamari McDowell
6/25/2026 11:42:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Houston native joins the Demon Deacons from Kansas with two years of eligibility remaining.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest men's basketball has announced the addition of transfer guard Jamari McDowell from Kansas. McDowell arrives in Winston-Salem following three seasons with the Jayhawks, where he developed into a key piece known for his energy, versatility and defensive presence.
A long, athletic guard, McDowell brings high-level experience along with a high-motor style of play.
"We recruited Jamari out of high school," said head coach Steve Forbes. "He and his family made two visits to Wake Forest before choosing Kansas. Reconnecting with Jamari and his parents was seamless when he chose to go in the portal. Jamari is a tremendous person and an outstanding leader, on and off the court. He brings size, toughness and skill to our perimeter. Most importantly, he is a winner and I have been impressed with his competitiveness and communication skills since he's been on campus. We are excited to have him in our program."
During the 2025-26 season, McDowell appeared in all 35 contests with seven starts, averaging 17.3 minutes per game while serving as the first player off the bench in a team-high 15 games. He contributed 3.3 PPG while knocking down 30 three-pointers and adding 39 assists and 15 steals on the year.
The Houston native played a major role in taking down No. 1 Arizona on Feb. 9, where he tied a career-high with 10 points in addition to six rebounds and four steals.
As a freshman in 2023-24, he played 31 games highlighted by a season-high seven points against Tennessee and clutch late-game free throws in a win over Kentucky. He redshirted in 2024-25.
Prior to his collegiate career, McDowell started at Manvel High School in Texas, earning UIL 5A All-State and TABC All-Region honors after averaging 22.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.2 blocks per game as a senior.
An outstanding student, McDowell was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and brings both athletic and academic excellence to Forbes' program.
A long, athletic guard, McDowell brings high-level experience along with a high-motor style of play.
"We recruited Jamari out of high school," said head coach Steve Forbes. "He and his family made two visits to Wake Forest before choosing Kansas. Reconnecting with Jamari and his parents was seamless when he chose to go in the portal. Jamari is a tremendous person and an outstanding leader, on and off the court. He brings size, toughness and skill to our perimeter. Most importantly, he is a winner and I have been impressed with his competitiveness and communication skills since he's been on campus. We are excited to have him in our program."
During the 2025-26 season, McDowell appeared in all 35 contests with seven starts, averaging 17.3 minutes per game while serving as the first player off the bench in a team-high 15 games. He contributed 3.3 PPG while knocking down 30 three-pointers and adding 39 assists and 15 steals on the year.
The Houston native played a major role in taking down No. 1 Arizona on Feb. 9, where he tied a career-high with 10 points in addition to six rebounds and four steals.
As a freshman in 2023-24, he played 31 games highlighted by a season-high seven points against Tennessee and clutch late-game free throws in a win over Kentucky. He redshirted in 2024-25.
Prior to his collegiate career, McDowell started at Manvel High School in Texas, earning UIL 5A All-State and TABC All-Region honors after averaging 22.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 3.2 blocks per game as a senior.
An outstanding student, McDowell was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and brings both athletic and academic excellence to Forbes' program.
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