headtopics
David Mirkovic's emergence as a freshman was one of the biggest surprises in college basketball. Originally seen as a depth piece in Illinois' 2025 recruiting class, he quickly became one of the Illini's most productive players. Now, as he heads into his sophomore season, Mirkovic is widely regarded as the top returning power forward in the Big Ten. However, several heralded transfers could give him stiff competition.
Top Five Big Ten Power Forwards for 2026-27
5. Caden Pierce, Purdue
After being named Ivy League Player of the Year as a sophomore at Princeton, Pierce saw his numbers dip in 2024-25 due to a serious ankle injury. He redshirted in 2025-26 before transferring to Purdue. Pierce is an extraordinarily heady player who excels at cutting, rim running, crashing the offensive boards, and hitting occasional threes. He is a sensational rebounder and facilitator, making him a uniquely skilled and versatile player. Under coach Matt Painter, Pierce is expected to thrive in a system that suits his high basketball IQ.
4. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Minnesota
Following coach Niko Medved from Colorado State to Minnesota, Crocker-Johnson averaged 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks as a junior. He shot 32.3 percent from three-point range while hitting 1.8 triples per game. Crocker-Johnson can attack off the dribble, knock down catch-and-shoot threes, or score inside. Defensively, he guards multiple positions and is strong on the glass. He will look to lead an underrated Minnesota squad to its first NCAA Tournament in eight years.
3. J.P. Estrella, Michigan
In just 18.3 minutes per game for Tennessee in 2025-26, Estrella averaged 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds, with an impressive 2.8 offensive boards per contest. Now at Michigan, he will feast on offensive rebounds, finish plays, and post up. Estrella is one of the nation's best offensive rebounders and a top-tier lob threat with soft touch around the rim. While his jumper is still developing, he will provide value as a dominant glass cleaner, rim protector, and efficient interior scorer.
2. Aiden Sherrell, Indiana
Sherrell may be the best two-way forward in the Big Ten next season. He averaged 2.2 blocks and 6.2 rebounds in just 23.9 minutes per game for Alabama in 2025-26. Offensively, he has primarily been a play finisher and lob threat but has shown flashes of more, shooting 33.8 percent from deep and displaying ability to put the ball on the floor. If given the green light at Indiana, Sherrell could showcase a more diverse skill set. From Day 1, he will be one of the league's most valuable interior defenders and rebounders.
1. David Mirkovic, Illinois
Mirkovic's superpower is his versatility. He is not just a respectable shooter but borderline elite from deep, and he is one of the best post-up players in the Big Ten. He uses brute strength, footwork, and high IQ to score or find open teammates. Mirkovic is also one of the top rebounders in the conference and can even initiate offense as a point forward. Defensively, he is fairly versatile despite heavy feet. As a freshman, he excelled in all these areas; now slimmed down, more athletic, and experienced, he could be even better in 2026-27. Mirkovic is poised to be in the Big Ten Player of the Year race and an All-American candidate.
Originally reported by headtopics.