BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU Hilltopper Basketball Assistant Coach Darryl Jackson has been selected to VIP Bowling Green Magazine's 40 Under 40 list, recognizing young professionals who are making an impact in the Bowling Green community and their respective fields.
"I'm honored to represent Western Kentucky University Athletics and the Western Kentucky University community as a whole," Jackson said. "Bowling Green has been incredibly good to me, and I'm grateful to call this community home. It's a privilege to be among all the 40 Under 40 recipients, past, present and future. I'm truly thankful for this recognition."
Jackson enters his fourth season on The Hill in 2026-27 and serves as an assistant coach for the Hilltoppers while overseeing the program's operations, academics and player development.
"Darryl has been an important part of our coaching staff, our success and the community here in Bowling Green over the past four years," said Mahurin Family Foundation Head Coach Hank Plona. "He makes a difference on and off the court with our players and works hard every day to connect our program and players with the Bowling Green and Warren County community. He is very deserving of this recognition."
Since arriving at WKU, Jackson has played an integral role in supporting the development of Hilltopper student-athletes, both on the court and in the classroom. During the 2025-26 academic year, WKU Men's Basketball earned the Conference USA Sport Academic Award after posting the conference's highest team GPA in the sport. The Hilltoppers recorded a 3.27 GPA during the academic year, while 14 members of the 2025-26 roster were recognized on Conference USA's Commissioner's Honor Roll. WKU concluded the year with a cumulative team GPA of 3.21.
In addition, Hilltopper Basketball received the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Team Academic Excellence Award after posting a 3.27 team GPA, with 13 student-athletes recording individual GPAs of 3.0 or better. Seven Hilltoppers also earned NABC Honors Court recognition for maintaining cumulative GPAs of at least 3.2.
Jackson joined the WKU staff ahead of the 2023-24 season following coaching stops at Weatherford College, Garden City Community College, Detroit Mercy, Navarro College and the Windsor Express of NBL Canada.
A native of Detroit, Jackson earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Valparaiso and his MBA from Detroit Mercy.
Season tickets for WKU Hilltopper Basketball are on sale now for the 2026-27 season, with men's basketball season tickets starting at $75 per seat, plus an additional HAF donation. Fans can secure seats by purchasing HERE, calling 1-800-5-BIGRED or visiting the WKU ticket office at E.A. Diddle Arena.
How to follow WKU Hilltopper Basketball: For complete information on WKU Hilltopper Basketball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKUBasketball on Instagram and X.
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