2025–26 Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team

He has become notable for quickly exceeding preseason expectations as a first-year player. His performance has drawn significant attention from coaches and analysts, marking him as a promising talent for the team's current season.

Recently, Wagler has been in the news after his coach, Brad Underwood, publicly compared him to an NBA MVP, generating considerable media discussion about his potential. This high praise, alongside reports of his impactful play, has coincided with the Illinois team moving up in the national rankings, further highlighting his role in the team's early-season success.