As the college basketball regular season wraps up, it's time to celebrate some standout performers. The Illinois Fighting Illini have plenty to cheer about with three of their stars earning All-Big Ten honors for the 2025-26 season.
Leading the charge is Keaton Wagler, a freshman sensation who's been turning heads all season. Wagler not only made the First-Team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team but also snagged the prestigious title of Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
This makes him the first Illini to earn this accolade since Kofi Cockburn back in 2020. He's also the first to grace the conference's first team since Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask in 2024.
Wagler's performance has been nothing short of historic for Illinois, with averages of 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, shooting an impressive 44.7% from the field, 41.0% from beyond the arc, and 80.7% from the free-throw line.
Not to be outdone, Kylan Boswell has made his mark as well. A defensive powerhouse, Boswell earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team and received an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten team from the media.
His defensive prowess is reminiscent of Trent Frazier, the last Illini to receive such honors in 2022. In his final collegiate season, Boswell is averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, proving to be a vital cog in the Illini machine.
Adding to the Illini's accolades, David Mirkovic joins both Wagler and Boswell as an All-Big Ten honorable mention, recognized by both coaches and media. Mirkovic also made the Big Ten All-Freshman team, showcasing his talent with averages of 13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. The freshman from Montenegro has had a remarkable debut season, solidifying his place as a key player for Illinois.
These honors highlight not just individual talent but also the bright future of Illinois basketball. With such a strong foundation, the Illini are poised to make waves in the seasons to come.