We all know Brad and Tyler can put on a recruiting masterclass, but how will the five newbies stack up?
Guards
Starting with the most recent, but probably most essential piece in the recruiting class is Missouri 247Sports five- star recruit Quentin Coleman. Not only does it always feel good to grab a “Braggin’ Rights” player, but Coleman is an overall stud. The Principia senior is the definition of a shotmaker, shooting 39% from the three during Nike’s EYBL. Coleman has the opportunity to fill the void NBA
Draft prospect Keaton Wagler will leave behind, as he runs offenses at his own pace.
Joining Coleman is four- star combo guard Lucas Morillo. Coming out of Boston, where he is ranked second in the state by 247Sports, Morillo is a lethal play initiator, he draws defenses where he needs them to go, and often draws a foul when he goes to the lane. Morillo could be paired nicely as a mentee for senior Andrej Stojakovic.
Rounding out the guards is 247Sports three-star Ethan Brown, also coming out of Missouri. Although the least accoladed of the bunch, Brown is a skillful floor reader who is insane out of screen plays. Brown averaged 19 points per game as a freshman, and went on to be Missouri’s all-time leading scorer with 2,523 points. Adding onto his already impressive offensive package, Brown is a pass-first guard, who can get shifty with his assists. Brown’s offensive efficiency will pair nicely with the Underwoods’ play styles.
Forwards
Wisconsin Mr. Basketball Zavier Zens joins Illinois as a newly rated 247Sports four-star recruit. Zens brings an Underwood favorite to the plate, and that’s tall perimeter defense, in addition to a high basketball IQ. Averaging 4.5 assists a game, Zens is comfortable dishing the rock. And a cherry on top, Zens is the cousin of Charlotte Hornets rookie and Duke alumni Kon Knueppel. Zens played high school ball with Knueppel for two years, so let’s hope he learned a thing or two from the Rookie of the Year finalist.
And finally, rounding off the 2026 class is 6-foot-9 and 215 pound 247Sports three-star forward Landon Davis. Davis comes out of Waukee, Iowa where he averaged 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game as a junior. Davis is a big who isn’t scared to shoot the three ball, joining the fan favorite senior Zvonimir Ivisic. Davis shot 40% from the three while playing AAU ball for Iowa United. Davis could be a true Underwood project player, as he can stretch the floor, and has the potential size to be lethal on defense. Illinois was Davis’ first power conference offer.
So, did Brad, Tyler, and the boys put on another legacy performance? It certainly is looking like the incoming freshmen have loads of potential to add to this Final Four squad.
