David Mirkovic announces he’s returning to Illinois for sophomore season

Illinois forward David Mirkovic announced on Twitch and Instagram Wednesday that he is returning to the Fighting Illini for the 2026-27 season.

Mirkovic ranked third on the Illini in scoring and second in both rebounding and assists this season, averaging 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He set the Illinois freshman total rebounds record, collecting 297 boards to break the previous Illini freshman mark of 272 set by Kofi Cockburn in 2019-20.

Mirkovic also ranks among Illinois' top-five all-time freshmen in wins (28, T-1st), field goals (176, 2nd), double-doubles (9, 2nd), starts (36, 2nd), total points (493, 4th), and minutes (1,090, T-4th).

Mirkovic was named to the NCAA All-Region Team as Illinois won the South Region Championship to secure its first Final Four appearance since 2005. Mirkovic also was voted to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and received NABC All-Great Lakes District Second Team and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention recognition.