Keaton Wagler earns All-American honors and jersey banner
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 27: Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Center on February 27, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images Greenville, S. C.
— The preseason hype surrounding a kid named Keaton Wagler felt rather obscure back then. Today, Keaton Wagler is considered one of the recent great Illini to grace the wooden State Farm Center court. On Tuesday, Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler was named to the All-American Second Team, the first Illini Freshman ever to receive such an honor.
At least one prestigious national honor? Check. One day later, Wagler was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Second Team All-American.
Receive two? This means much more than a ‘check. ’ It means Wagler will have his jersey lifted to the rafters, and his name will forever brush shoulders with the rest of the Illini greats.
“It means the world to me. Growing up, you always dream of this. It’s just really awesome to have it done as a freshman, too, big shout out to teammates and coach, too, to allow me to play my game and have fun,” Wagler said on Wednesday.