EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE men's basketball Head Coach Brian Barone has made another addition to his roster for the 2026-27 season, announcing transfer Jacob Martin (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) will join the Cougars.

Martin is a 6-foot, 10-inch, 250-pound center who comes to SIUE after playing his freshman season at Alabama.

"Jacob is a great addition to our team," Barone said. "Over his time with Alabama, Jacob has taken his game to another level. He's grown as a basketball player each day competing at the highest level in a top-tier program, and has become a reliable, skilled five who can defend and finishes with strength on the offensive end."

Martin appeared in 10 games for the Crimson Tide scoring three points and adding three blocks.

 "I appreciate the coaches for believing in my abilities to them and the team to succeed in the coming year," Martin said. "I'm committed to working hard every day to get these guys and myself better.  I look forward to winning with them this year.  Go Cougars!"

"Jacob's appreciation for our 'Find A Way Family' was something that stood out throughout the recruiting process," Barone added. "I look forward to Jacob developing even more when he arrives on our campus."

The Cougars have enjoyed four consecutive winning seasons, including an Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 2025. At 19-13 it is also the third time in four seasons that SIUE has won at least 19 games.

Martin is the second summer transfer announced by Barone, joining Gianni Cobb (Chicago) from Northern Illinois. They join four early signees: Jayden Riley (Oswego, Illinois), David Wilson (Norman, Oklahoma), Dorea "Kain" McCaskill (St. Louis) and Brennan Miller (Indianapolis) who were announced November.

SIUE returns seven players from the 2025-26 roster.