The 2025-26 college basketball season is already delivering on its promise - elite teams, high-octane matchups, and a freshman class brimming with talent. But while the spotlight has mostly landed on the usual suspects, one first-year standout is quietly putting together one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in the country.
Meet Hannes Steinbach, Washington’s Not-So-Secret Weapon
Hannes Steinbach isn’t making much noise nationally - yet. But make no mistake: the 6-foot-11 freshman forward for the Washington Huskies is putting up numbers that demand attention.
Through nonconference play and the early stretch of Big Ten action, Steinbach is averaging 17.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. That’s not just good for a freshman - that’s elite production, period.
And while the national buzz hasn’t quite caught up, it’s only a matter of time. His next test? A conference clash against Utah on Monday, followed by a gauntlet of Big Ten matchups that will give him plenty of chances to showcase his game on a bigger stage.
A Global Game, A Local Impact
Steinbach arrived in Seattle with more than just potential - he brought a résumé that rivals many seasoned college veterans. The German native played professionally with Würzburg before making the jump to college hoops, and he’s been a mainstay on German national teams across multiple age levels.
His international experience reads like a highlight reel: a silver medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup, gold at EuroBasket 2024 in Finland, and bronze medals at the AST World U18 Tournament in both Serbia (2023) and Germany. Most recently, he powered Team Germany to the title game this past July, averaging 17.4 points and 13 boards before falling to Team USA.
That kind of experience doesn’t just look good on paper - it translates. And it’s showing up in every facet of his game.
Consistency That’s Hard to Ignore
Washington hasn’t just used Steinbach - they’ve leaned on him. And he’s answered the call with the kind of consistency you rarely see from freshmen. He’s scored in double figures in all nine games he’s played, with back-to-back double-doubles in recent outings.
Against San Diego, he dropped 21 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. Even in a tough loss to Seattle University, he still managed 15 and 12. But it was his Big Ten debut where he truly turned heads.
In a tight loss to UCLA, Steinbach was surgical - 11-for-12 from the field, 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 31 minutes of high-level basketball. Two games later, he followed it up with 24 points and 16 rebounds in a road win over USC. That’s not just production - that’s dominance, especially against Power Five competition.
Where the Huskies Stand
Washington heads into the final week of December at 8-4 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play. The Huskies opened conference action with a narrow two-point loss to UCLA before bouncing back with the upset win at USC. Other losses came against Baylor, Colorado, and a surprising stumble against Seattle University.
Right now, the Big Ten is a logjam - eight teams are sitting at 1-1, while five remain unbeaten through two games. The margin for error is about to shrink, and every possession will start to matter just a little more.
The Road Ahead: Big Ten Battles and Bigger Stakes
After Monday’s game against Utah, Washington hits the road for a tough two-game stretch: Indiana on January 4, followed by Purdue on January 7. The Huskies then return to Seattle to host Ohio State on January 11.
If Steinbach keeps producing like this, he won’t just be in the All-Big Ten conversation - he’ll be in the thick of the Player of the Year race. And with head coach Danny Sprinkle looking to guide Washington to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, Steinbach has become the centerpiece of that mission.
So the next time you’re flipping through college hoops matchups, circle Washington on your calendar. No. 6 isn’t just another promising freshman - Hannes Steinbach is already one of the most impactful players in the country. And he’s only getting started.