Former Hawkeye Sandfort Headlines Top Big Ten Stars for 2026-27
Former Iowa Hawkeye Pryce Sandfort transformed into one of college basketball's most dangerous scorers at Nebraska, headlining a group of elite players who will shape the conference landscape in 2026-27. Sandfort joins Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan's Elliot Cadeau, Duke's John Blackwell, and UConn's Silas Demary Jr. as the top players Iowa fans should track next season.
Why Pryce Sandfort's Breakout Matters for Iowa
After spending two seasons in Iowa City, Sandfort transferred to Nebraska and elevated his game to an entirely different level. His breakout performance came against Illinois, where he dropped 32 points in a Cornhuskers road victory in Champaign. That performance signaled what Nebraska fans and Iowa observers already suspected: Sandfort had found another gear.
On the heels of averaging 18.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in Nebraska's historic season, Sandfort enters 2026-27 as arguably the top shooter in the conference, if not the country. For Iowa fans, watching a former Hawkeye become a star at a division rival adds an extra layer of intrigue to every matchup.
Who Is the Best Point Guard in the Big Ten?
Jeremy Fears Jr. at Michigan State makes a compelling case. He led the nation in assists at 9.4 per game last season while averaging just 2.4 turnovers. He also added 15.2 points per game and converted free throws at a sterling 88.5 percent clip.
Fears has become the heartbeat of Michigan State, and that will not change in 2026-27. He excels at driving into the lane and making the right read in the half court. If his long-range jumper improves, Fears could become not just the top player in the conference but potentially the best player in the nation.
How Does Elliot Cadeau Run Michigan's Offense?
Michigan was a committee squad throughout the 2025-26 season, but in the postseason, Elliot Cadeau emerged as the go-to player. An ultra-polished lead guard with tremendous basketball IQ, Cadeau extracts every ounce of ability from his teammates and ensures the entire product comes together.
Michigan coach Dusty May received the majority of the credit, but Cadeau played a key role in making the system work. Next season, expect Cadeau to do the same. Even if his raw numbers do not always show it, he will be one of the premier players in both the conference and the country.
Can Anyone Slow Down John Blackwell at Duke?
John Blackwell moved from Wisconsin to Duke this offseason, and he brings serious scoring punch to the Blue Devils. Illinois appeared to make a run at Blackwell in the transfer portal, but he chose Durham instead.
Blackwell hung 55 total points on Illinois in two games last season, demonstrating the kind of offensive firepower that makes him a nightmare for any defender. When Duke faces Illinois on Nov. 17, someone will face the Herculean task of slowing him down.
What Makes Silas Demary Jr. So Effective at UConn?
Silas Demary Jr. played a key role in slamming the door on Illinois' national title hopes in April, accumulating seven points, nine rebounds, and seven assists while playing stifling defense in UConn's Final Four victory. He is a top-notch table setter and lockdown defender who impacts the game on both ends of the floor.
Next year, Demary will attempt to extend UConn's win streak against Illinois to six in a row, a streak that dates back to 1938. The two clubs clash on Dec. 4 at the United Center in Chicago.
What Does the Big Ten Landscape Look Like for 2026-27?
The Big Ten has cemented itself as the premier league in the country, and the talent returning next season only reinforces that status. For Iowa, the challenge is clear: the conference is loaded with elite players who can take over games at any moment.
Brad Underwood's Illinois program has developed a reputation for seeking out the toughest matchups in November and December, which means Big Ten teams face intense early-season battles against non-conference foes before entering conference play after the New Year. The result is a gauntlet that tests every roster in the league.
Which former Iowa player will have the biggest impact in 2026-27?
Pryce Sandfort stands out as the most significant former Hawkeye on the national stage. After transferring to Nebraska, he averaged 18.1 points and 4.9 rebounds last season and enters 2026-27 as one of the top shooters in college basketball.
Who is the best player in the Big Ten for 2026-27?
Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. appears to be the early favorite. He led the nation in assists at 9.4 per game last season while averaging 15.2 points and converting 88.5 percent of his free throws. If his outside shot improves, he could be the best player in the country.
When does UConn play Illinois next season?
UConn and Illinois will meet on Dec. 4 at the United Center in Chicago. UConn will attempt to extend its win streak against Illinois to six consecutive games, a streak dating back to 1938.