Keaton Wagler Named AP Second-Team All-American

Champaign, Ill. – Illinois Fighting Illini freshman guard Keaton Wagler has been recognized as a Second-Team All-American by the Associated Press (AP). This distinction marks a historic achievement, as Wagler is the first freshman in Illinois basketball history to receive this honor from the AP.

A Historic Season for Wagler

Wagler’s selection adds to Brad Underwood’s impressive run, making him the fifth AP All-American during his six-year tenure as head coach, and the 22nd in the program’s history. The freshman standout has garnered numerous accolades this season, including First-Team All-American honors from Bleacher Report, and Second-Team All-American recognition from The Sporting News and Field of 68.

Accolades and Achievements

• First-Team All-American by Bleacher Report
• Second-Team All-American by The Sporting News, Associated Press, and Field of 68
• Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award Finalist
• Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten
• NABC All-Great Lakes District First Team
• Lute Olson Award Finalist
• Kyle Macy Award Finalist
• Wooden Award National Ballot
• Naismith Trophy Late-Season Team

Statistical Dominance

Wagler has demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, becoming one of only three NCAA freshmen to average at least 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. He currently ranks second nationally in offensive rating among players with at least 24% possession usage, boasting a rating of 131.3. He is as well seventh in the KenPom national player of the year standings.

Record-Breaking Freshman Campaign

The Illinois freshman has shattered the program’s freshman season scoring record, currently holding 573 points. His scoring average of 17.9 points per game is on pace to break the all-time freshman scoring average record set in the 1993-94 season. Wagler has scored in double figures in each of his last 24 games and 29 times overall this season, with nine games exceeding 20 points. He is only one 20-point game away from tying the Illini freshman season record. He earned National Player of the Week honors following a record-setting 46-point performance in a win at No. 4 Purdue on January 24th.

2025-26 AP All-America Team

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

Illinois All-Time AP All-Americans

First Team

• Kofi Cockburn, 2022
• Ayo Dosunmu, 2021

Second Team

• Keaton Wagler, 2026
• Kofi Cockburn, 2021
• Dee Brown, 2006
• Dee Brown, 2005
• Luther Head, 2005
• Ken Norman, 1987
• Derek Harper, 1983
• Skip Thoren, 1965
• Rod Fletcher, 1952
• Dike Eddleman, 1949
• Dike Eddleman, 1948