ROSEMONT, Ill. – Three Fighting Illini student-athletes were recognized with All-Big Ten honors following the regular season, the conference office announced on Monday.
Aidan Flinn was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team, while Flinn and AJ Putty were tabbed with Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. Will Johannes was selected as Illinois' Sportsmanship Award recipient.
Flinn posted a 2.67 ERA during his debut collegiate campaign, throwing 54.0 innings and striking out 51 batters. Stepping into a starting role, Flinn made 14 total appearances and 12 starts in 2026 and held opposing batters to a .188 average. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the first time in his careerÂ
Putty earned his spot in the starting lineup immediately for the Orange and Blue, posting a .301 average with eight home runs and 50 RBI while starting all 53 games. His 63 hits during the regular season was tied for the team lead, while his 50 RBI marked a team-best tally. He claimed Big Ten Freshman of the Week status on Feb. 23.
Johannes tallied a .275 average with 10 home runs and 42 RBI during the regular season, while his .944 OPS ranked second on the team in 2026.
The Illini have multiple Big Ten All-Freshman Team honorees for the first time since 2017, when DH Casey Dodge and 2B Michael Massey were recognized by the conference.
Illinois opens its time at the Big Ten Tournament on Tuesday at 1 p.m. CT against No. 8-seeded Iowa. The contest from Charles Schwab Field Omaha will air nationally on Big Ten Network.
