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Big Ten Basketball: Michigan, Illinois and Indiana among way-too-early favorites for 2026-27 season

Feb 27, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) drives the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) drives the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
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5. Indiana Hoosiers

2025-26 record: 18-14 (9-11)

Likely departures

  • Lamar Wilkerson (20.9 ppg and 2.4 apg)
  • Tucker DeVries (13.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg)
  • Tayton Conerway (9.5 ppg and 3.3 apg)
  • Sam Alexis (8.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg)
  • Reed Bailey (8.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg)
  • Nick Dorn (8.1 ppg and 2.3 rpg)
  • Conor Enright (4.6 ppg and 4.6 apg)

Likely returnees

  • Trent Sisley (4.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg)

Roster additions

  • Markus Burton (18.5 ppg and 3.7 apg at Notre Dame)
  • Bryce Lindsay (12.3 ppg and 2.1 apg at Villanova)
  • Jaeden Mustaf (10.4 ppg and 2.4 apg at Georgia Tech)
  • Darren Harris (3.3 ppg and 0.8 rpg)
  • Aiden Sherrell (11.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg at Alabama)
  • Samet Yigitoglu (10.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg)
  • Trevor Manhertz (4-star forward prospect)
  • Vaughn Karvala (4-star wing prospect)

The Hoosiers had one of the best transfer portal hauls a year ago, but it didn’t go well. But there were concerns then about the frontcourt, which proved to be true. That shouldn’t be the case, as both Sherrell and Yigitoglu are proven high-major starters.

Who’s also proven as a lead guy is Burton, one of the best scorers in the ACC, and he is set to replace Wilkerson in the backcourt. Lindsay and Mustad provide depth, while Harris could be a breakout candidate after being buried in Duke’s depth chart. The defensive concerns overall do remain, but Indiana’s offense could be good enough to overcome them. 

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