Early Returns on Big Ten Freshmen

Well, each of the 18 teams in the Big Ten has had its first taste of the new season. There were obviously plenty of standout performances across the league. Purdue saw senior guard Fletcher Loyer put up his best career performance as he went for 30 in the Boilermakers’ season opener. Elsewhere, the Michigan Wolverines put the hurt on the Oakland Golden Grizzlies behind some strong showings from Aday Mara and Morez Johnson . That was all great for the conference, but the biggest thing to talk about this week is the performance of the Big Ten freshmen.

So let’s take a look at the early returns on some of the conference’s top first-years.

There were plenty of impactful moments on the court for the new batch of players who entered the 2025-26 campaign as freshmen. Whether they be homegrown from the states or international talent, the Big Ten certainly saw some great work from some of its new players.

Illinois’ David Mirkovic

You wanna talk about an automatic star? Look no further than David Mirkovic . He wasn’t even the top first-year player being talked about entering the season. But his effort in the Illini’s season-opening 113-55 victory over Jackson State was special. In fact, Mirkovic made a statement for the Illini, with 19 points and 14 rebounds in his debut. He also pitched in four assists, showcasing a great all-around game for his 6-foot-9 frame.

It’s one game, but Mirkovic has certainly put his name in the hat for the Big Ten’s best freshman conversation.

PTS: 19
REB: 14
AST: 4

If his @IlliniMBB debut is any indication, it sure looks like David Mirkovic is the real deal. pic.twitter.com/u5EQIAzFsP

— Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) November 4, 2025

Michigan’s Trey McKenney

The hype seems to be real for the McDonald’s All-American. Trey McKenney delivered quite a performance in a record night for Michigan basketball. Not only was McKenney efficient, going 7-10 from the field, scoring 21 points, but he was also 6-8 from three. The Wolverines handled Oakland, 121-78. The team scored a school record 69 points in the first half, and McKenney clearly showed that he’s going to have quite an important role in his first season in Ann Arbor. Pitching in four assists and a board didn’t hurt either.

Michigan freshman Trey McKenney was lights out in his debut finishing with 21 points on 7-10 from the field and 6-8 from deep pic.twitter.com/9IDmqJG2qw

— Rising Ballers Network (@dylan_lutey) November 4, 2025

Washington’s Hannes Steinbach

Talk about a player who’s only going to continue to climb draft boards, the Huskies’ Hannes Steinbach is a rising superstar as just a freshman. The 6’11” big has all the tools to score the ball at all three levels. He showcased that and more in Washington’s 94-50 victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

He finished the night with 21 points on 9-11 shooting from the field and seven rebounds. It’s a huge debut, and he’s only going to get better, it seems. It wouldn’t be shocking to continue to hear his name near the top of the production for Washington all season.

Michigan State’s Jordan Scott, Cam Ward

Tom Izzo appears to have found some valuable Big Ten freshmen once again. Sure, neither Jordan Scott nor Cam Ward scored in double figures like other previous freshmen at MSU have. Their impact was felt nonetheless, in a big and ugly performance for the Spartans overall. Ward was the higher-rated player of the pair and has plenty of positive reviews and potential. He finished his debut with five points and four rebounds.

Scott looked quite comfortable, despite seeming a bit underweight when he first arrived in East Lansing. He looked like he belonged, which is the best way to describe Scott’s night. He was involved, and despite not making a three-pointer, he showed he wasn’t afraid to pull the trigger. He finished with six points, six rebounds, and a beautiful bounce pass assist to Jaxon Kohler .

Scott played 18 minutes, which honestly wasn’t expected, but he earned that time with his effort, especially on the glass, snagging two huge offensive rebounds. He also proved he could get to the free-throw line.

Other Notables

Nebraska’s Braden Frager certainly put his name on the map with a 22-point, five-rebound game. As did Melih Tunca from Penn State, with 19 points while shooting 50 percent from three. There is a long way to go in the 2025-26 season, but the Big Ten has some freshman star power to say the least.

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