CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois men’s basketball coach Scott Nagy announced Wednesday that the program has signed three freshmen from the Class of 2026 during National Signing Day. The signees – forward Jeremiah Jackson, forward Luke Susko and center Ty Laur – each hold three-star rankings and will join the Salukis for the 2026-27 season.
Ty Laur, a local product from Pinckneyville, Illinois, is just 40 minutes from Carbondale. The 6-foot-8, 225-pound center showcased versatility and skill during his junior year at Pinckneyville Community High School, averaging 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 3.5 assists per game. He shot 72 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range. Ranked among Illinois’ top 10 prospects, Laur helped lead his team to a 28-4 record in 2025 and a 24-7 mark in 2024. He earned SIRR All-Conference honors and was named to the All-Tournament teams at the Kaskaskian Classic and Sparta Midwinter Classic. Laur was the first verbal commitment in the Class of 2026 for Nagy’s program.
The Salukis tapped into Kentucky with the signing of 6-foot-4 forward Jeremiah Jackson. A varsity starter at St. Xavier High School in Louisville since his freshman year, Jackson earned All-State honors in 2024-25. He ranked 43rd among Kentucky players last season, averaging 14.4 points per game. As the starting shooting guard, he helped lead St. Xavier to a 31-3 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the KHSAA playoffs. Jackson also earned MVP honors at the prestigious King of the Bluegrass Tournament. His athletic roots run deep – his father, Bernard Jackson, played football for Tennessee before being drafted into the NFL.
Luke Susko, a 6-foot-6 forward from Flower Mound, Texas, attends Marcus High School and has built a reputation as a dangerous 3-point shooter. Ranked among the top 30 players in Texas, Susko earned first-team honors in District 5-6A. He helped Marcus to a 27-9 record during his junior season.
