Most eyes are going to look to experienced players this season, but some incoming Big Ten freshmen have to get some love as well. The conference is going to have plenty of new young faces to keep an eye on for the 2026-27 season. In fact, the best teams in the league from last season are once again retooled from the high school ranks. The 2026-27 Big Ten freshmen class has plenty of hype, especially when seven of those incoming freshmen were McDonald’s All-Americans.
It’s going to be a very interesting 2026-27 season in the Big Ten, but let’s dig a little deeper into the freshmen who could make the biggest impact for their teams.
Big Ten Freshmen To Keep An Eye On In 2026-27
Championship DNA instilled At Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines are the defending National Champions, and despite relying heavily on the portal to build that unstoppable force, Trey McKenney proved to be one of the most important players on the team as a true freshman. That success helped Michigan bring in a pair of players who are going to see action right away. Sure, Michigan head coach Dusty May is gone, but Brandon McCoy Jr and Quinn Costello fit the DNA that the Wolverines have built for themselves.
Costello brings great size to the power forward spot, as Michigan has to make up for three lottery picks from its frontcourt. The power forward from Boston, Massachusetts certainly will have to put on some weight, but he’s got a chance to crack the rotation early. He might not be the most important freshman to watch for Michigan, as McCoy Jr gets that distinction. McCoy is the highest-rated prospect since Caleb Houstan was part of the program during the 2021-22 season. One thing is for sure: he’s going to fit well alongside McKenney and Championship Hero Elliot Cadeau in the backcourt.
Izzo Doesn’t Quit
Michigan State and Tom Izzo are right back in the conversation, especially when they brought in the highly rated class in the country. Jasiah Jervis was the gem of the class, as he was the Spartans’ rep in the McDonald’s All-American game. Not to mention, he played for the USA in the U18 AmeriCup alongside another incoming Spartan in Ethan Taylor. Jervis brings shooting at the wing spot, which was by far the weakest point for MSU last season.
Taylor helps fill the need in the post, as he’s a seven-footer and will likely see time alongside transfer addition Anton Bonke. Jervis and Taylor have looked good during the MoneyBall Pro-Am that is played at a nearby high school in the Lansing, Michigan area. However, incoming point guard Carlos Medlock Jr has what it takes to become the next elite Big Ten point guard at MSU.
Carlos Medlock Jr on the opening night of @iamMoneyball pic.twitter.com/qpA2AT7eL0
— Loomin Kn🏀tty (@Loomin_Knotty) June 24, 2026
Don’t Sleep On USC’s Crop Of freshman
It comes as no surprise that Eric Musselman is getting things going at USC. It’s Los Angeles, who doesn’t want to go play there? That’s exactly what you can expect out of the incoming freshmen for the Trojans in the Big Ten this year, and probably nationally. They are going to be a heavily talked-about group. From the size of the duo of twins, Adonis and Darius Ratliff. Yep, the sons of former NBA player Theo Ratliff, to the high-level projection of Christian Collins. USC fans are going to have a fun year, it appears.
Pairing that trio with already established stars like Alijah Arenas and Jacob Cofie. The Trojans could really steal the show in 2026-27.
Other Noteworthy Players Around The Conference
Obviously, those three teams have plenty of Big Ten freshmen stars in the making, but so does the rest of the league. Purdue has to replace Braden Smith, which is no easy task, but the heir apparent is Luke Ertel, another in-state product, much like Smith.
Illinois – Quentin Coleman (6’4 guard)
Iowa- Ethan Harris (6’9 guard)
Indiana-Vaughn Karvala (6’7 forward)
Maryland- Babatunde Oladotun (6’10 forward)
Minnesota- Nolen Anderson (6’8 forward)
Nebraska- Colin Rice (6’9 guard/forward)
Northwestern- Jayden Hodge (6’7 guard)
Ohio State- Anthony Thompson (6’9 forward)
Oregon- Tajh Ariza (6’9 forward)
Penn State- Andy Gemao (6’1 guard)
Rutgers- Imahri Wooten (6’5 guard)
UCLA- Joe Philon (6’8 forward)
Washington- Lattimore Ford (6’6 forward)
Wisconsin- LaTrevion Fenderson (6’3 guard)
Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
