Every Big Ten men's basketball team's most impactful newcomer for 2026-27

The Big Ten lost a lot of production this offseason, including several of the conference's best players. That makes the league's newcomers particularly important. From five-star freshmen to proven high-major transfers and dominant mid-major stars, these players could have the biggest impact on their new teams. 

Illinois: Quentin Coleman 

The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 23.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.7 steals as a senior at Principia (MO), shooting 50.6% from three. He led his team to consecutive state championships. 

Indiana: Markus Burton 

Burton gives Indiana one of the Big Ten's most experienced guards. The former ACC Rookie of the Year and third-team All-ACC selection averaged 18.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals in just 10 games at Notre Dame before an ankle injury ended his season. 

Iowa: Andrew McKeever 

The 7-foot-3 center averaged 8.2 points and 9.2 rebounds at Saint Mary's, with his rebounding average ranking first in the WCC. 

Maryland: Baba Oladotun 

Oladotun is one of the Big Ten's most highly regarded freshmen. The 6-foot-8 forward is ranked No. 10 in ESPN's SC Next 100 and joins a Maryland team that needs young talent around returning stars Pharrel Payne and Andre Mills. 

Michigan: Moustapha Thiam 

Thiam gives Michigan a proven 7-foot-2 center after averaging 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks at Cincinnati. He started all 31 games, earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors and led the Bearcats with 50 blocks. 

Michigan State: Anton Bonke 

Bonke arrives from Charlotte after averaging 7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 57.4% from the field. The 6-foot-10 forward gives Michigan State another physical frontcourt option as it reloads around Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr. 

Minnesota: Kyan Evans 

Evans averaged 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists at North Carolina last season. The former four-star recruit now gets a chance for a larger role after playing behind a crowded Tar Heels backcourt. 

Nebraska: Sam Orme 

The 6-foot-9 forward earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, averaging 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds at Belmont last season while shooting nearly 40% from three on significant volume. 

Northwestern: Jack Karasinski 

Karasinski was one of the nation's most productive mid-major scorers, averaging 21.7 points per game at Bellarmine. He also shot 38.7% from three, giving Northwestern an experienced offensive weapon after losing significant scoring. 

Ohio State: Anthony Thompson 

Thompson is a five-star freshman No. 13 in ESPN's SC Next 100. The 6-foot-8 forward gives Ohio State a highly regarded young frontcourt piece with significant upside. 

Oregon: Fred Payne 

Payne averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists at Boston College last season. He also shot 38.2% from three, giving the Ducks an experienced perimeter scorer. 

Penn State: Brant Byers 

Byers averaged 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds at Miami (Ohio), shooting 39.2% from three. He made 69 three-pointers and should provide much-needed shooting for a Penn State team rebuilding its roster. 

Purdue: Caden Pierce

Pierce gives Purdue an experienced forward after averaging 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists at Princeton. He was a two-time First Team All-Ivy League selection and brings an unusual combination of rebounding and playmaking. 

Rutgers: Darin Smith Jr. 

Smith was the 2026 NEC Player of the Year, averaging 20.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists at Central Connecticut State. He shot 37.6% from three and an impressive 89.8% from the free-throw line. 

UCLA: Jaylen Petty 

Petty averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists at Texas Tech while shooting 37.5% from three. He started 22 games and gives UCLA another experienced perimeter shooter. 

USC: KJ Lewis 

Lewis arrives from Georgetown after averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The former high-level recruit brings athleticism and defensive versatility to the Trojans' backcourt. 

Washington: LeJuan Watts 

Watts averaged 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists at Texas Tech while starting 28 games. He also shot 43.3% from the field, giving Washington a versatile forward with high major experience. 

Wisconsin: Eian Elmer 

Elmer averaged 14.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists at Miami (Ohio), while shooting 37.9% from three. His ability to score from the perimeter and contribute on the glass should make him an important addition to Wisconsin's frontcourt.