Big Ten Media Day took place in Rosemont on Oct. 2, with Brad Underwood, Kylan Boswell, and Ben Humrichous representing the Illini. Humrichous filled in for Tomislav Ivisic at the last minute after Ivisic had
his tonsils removed.
The trio fielded questions ahead of their first exhibition game against Illinois State on Sunday, October 19th. Here’s what we learned from Media Day and the top three storylines heading into the 2025–26 season.
1. Ty Rodgers’ Health
We finally learned more about Ty Rodgers’ injury after months of uncertainty regarding his status for the upcoming season. Joey Wagner reported following Media Day that Rodgers partially tore his patellar tendon.
A torn patellar tendon is a serious injury that typically requires a 6 to 12-month recovery, depending on the severity. Rodgers brings athleticism and defensive versatility that this Illinois team desperately needs. Brad Underwood would not confirm or deny whether Rodgers will return at any point this season.
2. Mihailo Petrovic’s Eligibility
Mihailo Petrovic arrived in Champaign just before the start of the school year in late August. Although he secured a visa to enter the United States, he has yet to receive word from the NCAA regarding his eligibility status.
“I wished I had that answer,” said Brad Underwood when asked for an update on Petrovic’s eligibility.
Petrovic, a four-star prospect according to 247Sports, is expected to play a major role for the Illini once cleared. He provides strong playmaking in ball screens and the kind of speed that would improve Illinois’ transition attack.
Tomislav Ivisic was cleared in late October last season, so hopefully an update will come before opening night on Nov. 3.
3. Keaton Wagler’s Rise
The Keaton Wagler hype train has officially gone national. Kevin Sweeney of Sports Illustrated and the Field of 68 further justified the Wagler applaud.
“Hype around freshman Keaton Wagler is justified. Plays with rare maturity + feel for an 18-year-old. Expect him to make an early impact,” Sweeney shared on X following his visit to Champaign.
Head coach Brad Underwood has not hesitated to heap praise on Wagler for his impressive offseason.
“We had two one-and-done last year, and not to put too much pressure on him, but he’s in that category. He’s an elite competitor who reminds me a lot of Ayo,” Underwood said.
Kylan Boswell also had high praise for Wagler earlier this summer, saying, “He’s cold just flat out. He’s really, really good.”
Wagler wasn’t a top-100 recruit but won back-to-back state championships and was named Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year. He’s ahead of schedule developmentally and will be a major part of Illinois’ rotation this season.
The 6-foot-6 guard is competing for a starting spot and is expected to have a far greater impact than anyone initially anticipated.
