Everyone in Champaign is feeling those championship feelings as the Fighting Illini have booked their ticket to the Final Four. With a big win over a dangerous Iowa team, Illinois is back in the Final Four for the first time since 2005.
The Fighting Illini have been led all season long by head coach Brad Underwood, but he is the first to say he wouldn't be where he is without his family. That is very true, as his son, Tyler Underwood, made one big decision that aided Illinois in its massive NCAA Tournament run.
Brad Underwood and Tyler Underwood embrace as the buzzer sounds. The father-son duo are taking the #Illini to the FINAL FOUR.
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) March 29, 2026
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Tyler Underwood recruiting Keaton Wagler to Illinois has proven to pay off big time
When Keaton Wagler was in high school, he wasn't the highest recruited prospect; he wasn't even a five-star prospect. Wagler was actually just a three-star prospect out of Shawnee, Kansas, with only two power conference offers: Minnesota and Illinois.
Wagler ended up picking Illinois thanks to the recruitment of Tyler Underwood, and it proved to be a great decision on both sides. After just one season with the Fighting Illini, Wagler was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and Illinois is now heading to the Final Four.
The star freshman, even after a slow start against Iowa, led the Fighting Illni wth 25 points, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line to help close out the Hawkeyes. Without Wagler, this Illinois team would still be great, but may not be in the Final Four right now.
Tyler Underwood saw something really special in a kid from Shawnee, Kansas, and it has really paid off for both sides. Now, Wagler will get a chance to lead Illinois to their first National Championship for the first time since 2005 when it lost to UNC. This time, the Fighting Illini hope to finish the job.