The 2026‑27 Big Ten basketball race is already shaping up to be one of the most watched conferences in recent memory, with several teams jockeying for the top spot.
The key players
At the center of the conversation are sophomore standouts Andrej Stojakovic of Illinois and Jeremy Fears Jr. of Michigan State. Stojakovic, a 6‑7 forward known for his shooting range, averaged 18.2 points and 5.4 rebounds last season, while Fears, a point guard, led the nation in assists per game and earned second‑team All‑American honors.
Their decisions regarding the NBA draft will not only affect their individual futures but also ripple through the conference standings, influencing which programs enter the premier tier.
Four possible outcomes
If both players elect to return to college, their presence would catapult Illinois and Michigan State into the top tier, creating a three‑way battle with Michigan that could reshape the conference hierarchy.
Should Stojakovic stay in Illinois while Fears declares for the NBA, Michigan State would lose a pivotal playmaker, potentially dropping them out of contention despite a strong supporting cast.
Conversely, if Stojakovic heads to the NBA and Fears remains at Michigan State, the Spartans would retain a veteran floor general and could emerge as strong contenders, especially with incoming freshman Carlos Medlock Jr. expected to add depth.
The scenario in which both players depart for the NBA draft would likely hand the title favorite mantle to Michigan, whose roster is already stacked with experienced talent.
Looking ahead
Even without Stojakovic, Illinois remains a contender, but the team would no longer be viewed as the outright favorite, according to analysts.
The emergence of other recruits such as Coen Carr, Kur Teng, Cam Ward, Jordan Scott and Stefan Vaaks adds further intrigue, as each program evaluates how these pieces fit into their schemes.
With the draft deadline still months away, coaches and fans alike are monitoring every workout and interview for clues. The ultimate impact will depend on how each player weighs professional prospects against the chance to lead their school to a championship.