The deadline for college basketball players to pull their names from the NBA Draft and preserve eligibility has come and gone, leaving the rosters for the 2026‑27 season largely set. Programs that already knew their returnees could begin planning strategies, while others waited for late announcements that could shift the balance of power.
Strategic Returns Shape the Landscape
The Michigan Wolverines entered the offseason already aware of the decisions of Morez Johnson Jr, Aday Mara and Elliot Cadeau, giving head coach Juwan Howard a clear picture of his lineup. In East Lansing, Jeremy Fears chose to come back to Michigan State, a move that instantly elevates the Spartans’ ceiling and positions them as a potential Top 10 team.
Across the state line, Andrej Stojakovic’s commitment to Illinois added a seasoned scorer to a roster that also retains David Mirkovic, the Ivisic twins and Jake Davis. For head coach Brad Underwood, keeping Stojakovic means preserving a key talent that could be the difference between a solid campaign and a deep tournament run.
Early betting markets reflect the optimism surrounding these three programs. DraftKings lists Michigan as the clear favorite to capture the Big Ten title, with Illinois and Michigan State grouped in a secondary tier. The odds suggest oddsmakers expect a tight race for the conference crown, but the ultimate outcome will hinge on how quickly the newly assembled lineups gel.
Fans and analysts alike are already debating which of these powerhouses will dominate the schedule and who will emerge as the surprise contender. The conversation is open, and the upcoming season promises plenty of twists before the first conference game is even played.