Big Ten Daily (Jan. 23): Illinois Basketball Lands Pledge From 2025 4-Star Guard Jeremiah Fears

Four-star guard Jeremiah Fears committed to Illinois on Monday, giving the Fighting Illini their first pledge of the 2025 recruiting class. He picked Illinois over Kansas, Michigan, Ole Miss and Michigan. His older brother, Jeremy Fears, plays at Michigan State.

Illinois' basketball program received some big news on Monday. Four-star guard Jeremiah Fears, a member of the 2025 recruiting class, announced his commitment to the Fighting Illini.

Fears is listed as a 6-foot-3 guard and is originally from Joliet, Ill. The 2025 prospect ranks as the No. 44 player in his class, per 247Sports. He is the younger brother of current Michigan State player Jeremy Fears. 

After making his announcement, Fears explained his decision to commit to Illinois while speaking with On3. He chose the Fighting Illini over offers from Providence, Kansas, Michigan and Ole Miss. 

“I chose Illinois because I felt it was the best fit for me,” he said. “It’s my home state and the coaches have been recruiting me since I was in the 8th grade. I feel like most people think if you are a high level player you have to go to a blue blood to be successful. I want to show everybody you can do it from anywhere especially your home state. Hometown Hero.”'

“I’m staying home to try to win a national championship. I’m a dog, a very hard worker and a natural born winner.”

Fears became the first player of the 2025 recruiting cycle to commit to Illinois. By adding the combo guard's pledge, coach Brad Underwood is already putting together nice classes in 2024 and 2025.

Illinois' 2024 recruiting class currently ranks 21st nationally. The Illini have received commitments from four-star forward Morez Johnson, who is the No. 27 ranked prospect in the class. Underwood has also gotten pledges from three-star guard Jase Butler and three-star forward Jason Jakstys. 

Fears may not be on campus for a few seasons, but it gives Illinois a strong outlook for the future.

Edey makes Purdue history

Breaking records is just something Zach Edey does. The 7-foot-4 center has added another impressive accomplishment to his incredible resumé at Purdue.

Edey was named the Big Ten Player of the Week for incredible performances against Indiana and Iowa. He averaged 31.5 points, 16 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in Purdue's two wins — both on the road.

The Player of the Week honors marked the ninth time in his career that Edey has been recognized by the conference. That set a new record for the Boilermakers. Now, the reigning National Player of the Year is chasing down a conference record.

Ohio State's Evan Turner claimed Big Ten Player of the Week honors 10 times during his time with the Buckeyes (2008-10). Edey needs one more to tie. Two more Player of the Week awards would set the league's record.

Edey has posted 30-point double-doubles in each of Purdue's last three games. More importantly, the Boilermakers have won all three contests, beating Penn State, Indiana and Iowa.

This week, Edey and the Boilers host Michigan on Tuesday before traveling to Rutgers for a battle with the Scarlet Knights on Sunday.

Stroud makes donation to Ohio State

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is giving back to his alma mater. On Monday, The Foundation — an NIL collective associated with the Ohio State's athletic department — announced that the former Buckeyes gunslinger made a significant donation.

Stroud joined the Founders Club as a Platinum Donor, which means he donated between $50,000-$100,000. The exact amount was not specified.

Stroud enjoyed a sensational rookie season in Houston. He threw for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He led the Texans to a 10-7 record, an AFC South title and a win in the AFC wild card round of the playoffs.

The Texans exited the postseason after a 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.

Clearly, Stroud wants to help Ohio State keep its place atop the college football world. He enjoyed an outstanding career in Columbus, throwing for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns while completing more than 69% of his passes in his two seasons as a starter.

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