Illinois Freshman Keaton Wagler Makes History with All-American Honors
Champaign, Ill. – Illinois Fighting Illini freshman Keaton Wagler has been named a second-team All-American by The Associated Press, marking a historic achievement for both the player and the program. Wagler is the first freshman in Illinois basketball history to receive this recognition from the AP.
A Remarkable Freshman Campaign
Wagler’s stellar freshman season has been filled with accolades. Beyond the AP Second-Team All-American selection, he’s been recognized as a First-Team All-American by Bleacher Report, and a Second-Team All-American by The Sporting News, Field of 68. He was also a finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award, the Lute Olson Award, and the Kyle Macy Award, and appeared on the Wooden Award National Ballot and the Naismith Trophy Late-Season Team.
The freshman standout earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten honors, and was named to the NABC All-Great Lakes District First Team. Wagler currently holds the Illinois freshman season scoring record with 573 points, and his scoring average of 17.9 points per game is on pace to break the all-time freshman scoring average record.
Impact on the Illinois Program
Wagler’s success contributes to a recent trend of success for the Illinois program under head coach Brad Underwood. He is the fifth AP All-American in the last six seasons of Underwood’s tenure, and the 22nd in the school’s history. Previous AP All-Americans under Underwood include Ayo Dosunmu (First Team, 2021) and Kofi Cockburn (First Team, 2022, and Second Team, 2021).
Statistical Dominance
Wagler’s impact extends beyond scoring. He is one of only three NCAA freshmen averaging at least 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He also ranks second nationally in offensive rating among players with at least 24% possessions used (131.3) and seventh in the KenPom national player of the year standings.
2025-26 AP All-America Team
Wagler joins a distinguished group of players on the 2025-26 AP All-America teams:
- First Team: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke), AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan), JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
- Second Team: Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State), Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State), Braden Smith (Purdue), Keaton Wagler (Illinois), Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
- Third Team: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), Kingston Flemings (Houston), Thomas Haugh (Florida), Graham Ike (Gonzaga), Labaron Philon (Alabama)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has an Illinois freshman ever been named an AP All-American before?
A: No, Keaton Wagler is the first freshman in Illinois history to receive this honor from the AP.
Q: How many AP All-Americans has Brad Underwood coached at Illinois?
A: Coach Underwood has coached five AP All-Americans in his six seasons at Illinois.
Q: What other awards has Keaton Wagler won this season?
A: Wagler has received numerous awards, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-Big Ten, and recognition from Bleacher Report and The Sporting News.
Q: What are Wagler’s key statistics this season?
A: Wagler is averaging 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, and holds the Illinois freshman season scoring record with 573 points.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Keaton Wagler’s development – his performance could significantly impact Illinois’ future success and his potential for an NBA career.
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