But it's more than likely he will have to be content with a seat on the bench at the City Ground with form pair Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington keeping their places.
Ormerod's arrival is initially on a month's loan which could be then be extended through to the end of the season.
And a permanent move will be discussed in the summer.
The striker has been a target for Jewell since he first became manager at the JJB Stadium.
Jewell tried to buy him when he was at Blackpool, having a £1.5m bid rejected, and then offered £1.8m to Southampton in December 2002.
Jewell resurrected his interest in January as he searched for another striker, but until now has seen his efforts go unrewarded.
He said: "Brett will be a good addition to the squad – we needed to get someone in before the transfer deadline next Thursday.
"Nottingham Forest tried to get him, as did West Ham and Stoke, and I've tried to buy him a couple of times.
"I know the boy is keen to come back up north and it's a pat on the back to the club that a lot of players arguably see us a bigger move than maybe West Ham or Leeds.
"Brett is the sort of player who never hides, he works his socks off, and I remember him always doing well for Blackpool against us.
"He is desperate to play and has always seen Wigan as a club which he would like to come to.
"It hasn't worked out for him at Southampton – probably because he hasn't had a run in the team.
"Any striker who comes here knows they aren't going to get straight into the team because of the two lads we already have.
"But I didn't want to be left short if anything happens to one of them before the end of the season."
Ormerod's arrival has seen Jewell end his interest in Reading's Nicky Forster, and this will be probably be the last signing before the deadline.
He said: "We were in for Forster but it was dragging on and there was a bit of a problem at the other end.
"As for more signings, I think that will be it unless something comes up which we didn't really expect.
"The chairman is going to Barbados and will probably turn his phone off in case I try to spend more of his money!"
Latics' squad now looks well equipped for the final eight games of the season, with Ormerod following Graham Kavanagh's capture a fortnight ago.
Jewell will be relieved to get another striker on board due to the ongoing concern about Ellington's shoulder njury and with partner Roberts walking a disciplinary tightrope.
He's on eight bookings and two more before April 10 would see him suspended for two games – the slate was only wiped clean last month for players with four yellow cards or fewer.
Latics have no fresh injury worries for tomorrow's trip to Forest, although skipper Matt Jackson may return to the centre of defence after
Tuesday's shaky performance.
Meanwhile, Jewell has played down reports inking him with Manchester City.
He said: "Graham Barrow (the Bury manager) rang me on Wednesday to say there had been a lot of money going on me for the City job.
"I told him to keep his hand in his pocket.
"I don't get involved in speculation and I'm trying to get on with my job here and win promotion.
"I like my job and have no inclination to move unless I'm told otherwise."