The Rams are keeping their hometown guard.
Sophomore guard Brandon Jennings announced via a video posted to VCU's official social media accounts that he will be returning to VCU for his junior season in 2026-27. In the video, Jennings made his intentions crystal clear: "I'm ready to be back at the Stu, and bring a 3rd ring back to the city."
That statement carries real weight. The Rams have won back-to-back Atlantic 10 Tournament championships - the first under Ryan Odom in 2025, the second under first-year head coach Phil Martelli Jr. in 2026 - making VCU the first A-10 program to win consecutive tournament titles since Temple's three-peat from 2008-2010. Jennings has been part of both of those championship squads, and now he's coming back to chase a three-peat.
The 6-foot-4 lefty's impact went well beyond the box score. His length, quickness, and defensive instincts made him one of the conference's most disruptive perimeter defenders, and his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor was a major reason VCU finished 28-8, won the A-10 regular season title (15-3), and earned the program's 21st NCAA Tournament bid.
This time? No portal entry. No suspense. Just a straight-up commitment to the program and the city he's called home his entire life. For a Richmond native who starred at St. Christopher's - and whose mother, Demetria, earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees from VCU - this is more than basketball. It's family.
With VCU's daily "I'm back" announcement videos rolling out this week, Rams fans are eagerly watching to see who else commits to running it back. Key names like Terrence Hill Jr. and Tyrell Ward are still on the board, and retaining the core of this group could position VCU for a legitimate shot at making history with a third straight A-10 Tournament title.
Sophomore guard Brandon Jennings announced via a video posted to VCU's official social media accounts that he will be returning to VCU for his junior season in 2026-27. In the video, Jennings made his intentions crystal clear: "I'm ready to be back at the Stu, and bring a 3rd ring back to the city."
That statement carries real weight. The Rams have won back-to-back Atlantic 10 Tournament championships - the first under Ryan Odom in 2025, the second under first-year head coach Phil Martelli Jr. in 2026 - making VCU the first A-10 program to win consecutive tournament titles since Temple's three-peat from 2008-2010. Jennings has been part of both of those championship squads, and now he's coming back to chase a three-peat.
A Breakout Sophomore Campaign
Jennings took a massive leap in 2025-26. After averaging just 2.7 points per game as a true freshman, he emerged as a key contributor in Martelli's system, putting up 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 43.5% from the field and a scorching 44.4% from three-point range. His defensive prowess earned him a spot on the A-10 All-Defensive Team.The 6-foot-4 lefty's impact went well beyond the box score. His length, quickness, and defensive instincts made him one of the conference's most disruptive perimeter defenders, and his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor was a major reason VCU finished 28-8, won the A-10 regular season title (15-3), and earned the program's 21st NCAA Tournament bid.
No Portal Drama This Time
Last year, when Odom departed for UVA, Jennings entered the transfer portal along with several teammates, drawing interest from Power Four programs including Boston College and even Odom's new squad in Charlottesville. He ultimately returned, posting "Loyal to the Soil" on Instagram and becoming the first player retained under Martelli Jr.This time? No portal entry. No suspense. Just a straight-up commitment to the program and the city he's called home his entire life. For a Richmond native who starred at St. Christopher's - and whose mother, Demetria, earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees from VCU - this is more than basketball. It's family.
What It Means for 2026-27
Jennings' return is a significant piece of the puzzle as VCU builds its roster for next season. He joins Nyk Lewis, the A-10 Rookie of the Year who announced his return earlier this week, giving Martelli Jr. a formidable backcourt foundation to build around.With VCU's daily "I'm back" announcement videos rolling out this week, Rams fans are eagerly watching to see who else commits to running it back. Key names like Terrence Hill Jr. and Tyrell Ward are still on the board, and retaining the core of this group could position VCU for a legitimate shot at making history with a third straight A-10 Tournament title.
