Keaton Wagler Leads Illinois' Big Ten Award Winners – But Did Voters Get It Right?

The Illini found one of their own in nearly every All-Big Ten category, but did award voters actually hit the mark?

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) reacts after shooting a three point basket during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Just hours before the tip-off of the first round of the 2025-26 Big Ten Tournament on Tuesday, the conference released its regular-season awards – and Illinois was well represented.

Illinois’ Keaton Wagler earns multiple lofty Big Ten awards

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots as Maryland Terrapins forward Elijah Saunders (13) and guard George Turkson Jr. (11) defends during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

After taking a one-year hiatus from the All-Big Ten first team, the Illini reemerged this season, with freshman Keaton Wagler snagging the honors. As expected, though, that wasn’t the only hardware he brought home.

Wagler, who averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists during conference play while leading Illinois to a 15-5 finish (tied for second in the Big Ten), was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and, naturally, was a unanimous selection to the All-Freshman Team.

Keaton Wagler
Big Ten Freshman of the Year
First-Team All-Big Ten
Unanimous Big Ten All-Freshman Team pic.twitter.com/lDEWJPUKkG

— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 10, 2026

Agree or disagree?

Agree. Each of the honors bestowed upon the first-year Illini guard were well-deserved. Wagler was clearly the best freshman in the league – although Washington’s Hannes Steinbach was spectacular – and was also a top-five player overall (hence the first-team honors).

That said, despite his thoroughly impressive campaign, Wagler wasn’t quite worthy of the Big Ten Player of the Year honor – Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg rightfully received that one – which is practically the only award he didn’t win.

David Mirkovic earns two All-Big Ten honors

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) drives to the basket on Maryland Terrapins center Collin Metcalf (45) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Joining Wagler on the All-Freshman Team was forward David Mirkovic, who put up 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in league play. The Illini forward also nabbed All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

David Mirković
Honorable Mention All-Big Ten
Big Ten All-Freshman Team pic.twitter.com/hK0EDVftoa

— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 10, 2026

Agree or disagree?

Agree. Although an argument could be made for Mirkovic sneaking on to the All-Big Ten third team, a spot on the honorable mention list is probably more fitting. And he was clearly one of the premier freshmen in the conference.

Kylan Boswell earns a pair of Big Ten awards

Mar 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives the ball pasty Oregon Ducks guard Jamari Phillips (24) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The final Illini to find himself a recipient of league honors was senior guard Kylan Boswell, who was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team alongside Mirkovic while also being Illinois’ lone player on the league's five-man All-Defensive Team.

Kylan Boswell
Big Ten All-Defensive Team
Honorable Mention All-Big Ten pic.twitter.com/gjp1cD1wjP

— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 10, 2026

Agree or disagree?

Disagree. Let’s make one thing clear: Boswell is an excellent and versatile defender for the Illini, especially when he locks in. But a top-five defender in the conference? Probably not. He simply hasn't been that kind of a difference-maker this season, with lulls (especially off the ball) diminishing his overall effectiveness. But his quality defense paired with his valuable offensive output (11.8 points and 3.2 assists in league games) undeniably made him worthy of honorable mention honors.