JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The 2025-26 edition of the Illinois College men's basketball team will feature six new faces on the roster as Head Coach
Steve Schweer unveiled his roster this week.
"We are really excited about this group of newcomers. We feel like we were able to address areas of need, but more than anything, we feel like all of these guys are a great fit for our program and for Illinois College," Schweer said. "While they all bring unique talents to our program, the thing they share is their competitive nature and their willingness to work at their craft.
"We search for guys who are relentless workers and who are not afraid of competition, and we believe that we have found that in all six of our newcomers. They have blended well with our returning group already, and we are excited to see what lies ahead for each of them," Schweer added.
Carson Doran is a 6-3 wing from Williamsville High School. As a senior, he averaged 13.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, and 3.6 apg. He was on the All-Tournament team at the Williamsville Holiday Tournament and the Sangamon County Tournament. He was named All-Area and the Small School Player of the Year by the State Journal Register. Doran was also the 1450 AM Area Player of the Year. Carson's coach, Nick Beard, said, "Carson is a three-level scorer and a great playmaker who does anything for his team to be successful. He is also an elite defender who can guard four positions and is just starting to scratch the surface of his talent level. Clearly, his best basketball is still in front of him."
Jayden McCoo is a 6-2 combo guard from Mascoutah High School. He scored over 1,000 points in his career and was a two-time first-team All-Mississippi Valley Conference performer who earned conference player of the year honors as a junior. Jayden was also named special mention Class 3A all-state by the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association. Jayden's coach, Cole Schomaker, said, "Jayden is a game changer. He really impacts both ends of the floor. In my opinion, he was one of the best defenders in the Metro East area and possesses a super high basketball IQ. There is no question that Jayden is the quickest player that I have had the luxury of coaching. He's not only a great player but an even better human!"
Chandler Mueller is a 6-3 shooting guard from Wesclin High School. Chandler scored 1,212 career points and is the school's all-time leader in 3-point field goals made with 266. He helped his team win 70 games in three years, including a regional championship in 2024. He earned all-tournament honors at the Mater Dei and Wesclin Invitational Tournaments in 2024 and the Okawville Tournament in 2025. His coach, Brent Brede, said, "Chandler is a tireless worker, an incredible shooter, and a fantastic young man. He has developed his God-given talents through hard work and self-motivation. His ability to shoot 3's off the move, off the dribble, and from distance is high level."
Dylan Murphy is a 6-7 forward who transferred to IC from St. Leo University. He played his prep basketball at Columbia High School. As a senior at Columbia, Dylan averaged 18.6 ppg while shooting 60 percent from the floor and 43 percent from 3pt. range. In his two-year prep career, Dylan scored over 1,000 points and was a first-team IBCA All-State pick as well as the MVP of the Columbia-Freeburg Holiday Tournament. Murphy also earned first-team All-Cahokia Conference accolades his senior year as he helped his team to 28 victories. Murphy's coach, Mark Sandstrom, said, "Dylan really left his mark on the Columbia basketball program. He was super competitive and led our young squad to 51 wins during his junior and senior years. He was always hungry to improve his game while being a gym rat. He set an example for all of our younger players, which has continued to carry over to today."
Blake Shoufler is a 5-10 point guard from Williamsville High School. As a senior, he averaged 13.8 ppg, 5.0 apg, and 3.1 rpg. He was named to the all-tournament team at both the Williamsville Holiday and Sangamon County Tournaments. A third-team All-State pick by the IBCA, he was also first-team All-Sangamo Conference and was on the SJ-R's all-area team. 3rd team IBCA All State. Blake's coach, Nick Beard, said, "Blake overcame a season-ending injury his junior season to have a great senior season. He is one of the biggest competitors I have ever coached. Blake is a floor general who makes everyone on the court better. He's a proven winner at every level."
Trey Youngs is a 6-1 shooting guard from Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Tennessee. Trey was a two-time All-District and All-Region nominee. He was named to the Clarksville Chronicle Leaf All-Area Team, and averaged 11.1 ppg, three rpg, and 2.8 apg as a senior. He also led the team in charges taken, deflections, and 3pt. field goals made despite missing multiple games due to injury. Trey was the captain and starting quarterback of the Clarksville football team as well, leading the squad to consecutive undefeated regular seasons, the school's only two undefeated seasons in its 117-year history. Coach Schweer said, "I have known Trey and his family for nearly 10 years, and we are excited to add him to the program. Trey is a gym rat who shoots the ball at a very high level and has the competitive edge that we are always hoping to find."
IC will open the 2025-26 season on November 7-8 when it hosts the annual Bill Merris Invitational at Sherman Gymnasium.
