CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Keaton Wagler’s remarkable freshman season has reached a historic peak, as the Illinois guard was named a 2025–26 NCAA Consensus All-American. Earning second-team honors, Wagler becomes the first freshman in program history to achieve the prestigious distinction, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite and earning future recognition in the Illinois Basketball Honored Jerseys program at State Farm Center.
From the opening tip of the season, Wagler established himself as one of the most dynamic players in the country, blending scoring and leadership rarely seen from a first-year player. His performance not only lifted Illinois on the national stage but also drew widespread acclaim from media outlets, coaches, and award committees.
Wagler is the 17th Consensus All-American in Illini history, and the fourth in the last six seasons during the Brad Underwood era.
Wagler Season Accolades
• NCAA Consensus All-America Second Team
• Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award Winner
• Wooden Award All-America Team
• NCAA Tournament South Regional Most Outstanding Player and All-South Regional Team
• First-Team All-American by CBS Sports and Bleacher Report
• Second-Team All-American by The Sporting News, Associated Press, NABC, USBWA, and Field of 68
• Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten
• NABC All-Great Lakes District First Team
• Oscar Robertson High-Major Player of the Month (January)
• National Player of the Week (Jan. 26)
• Six-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week (Dec. 15, Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, & Feb. 16)
Wagler’s honors place him alongside some of the most decorated players in college basketball this season and further reinforce Illinois’ standing as a national powerhouse.
