How Trent Sisley measures up in Big Ten’s 2025 freshman class

As the Big Ten prepares for the 2025–26 college basketball season, a new wave of high school talent is set to enter the conference — 44 incoming freshmen in total.

The Hoosiers’ lone high school signee, forward Trent Sisley, arrives with expectations that go well beyond his individual ranking.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Sisley is the No. 79 overall prospect in the 2025 class and ranks No. 11 among all incoming Big Ten freshmen. He is one of just 14 top-100 recruits joining the conference this cycle and stands out not only for his skillset but also for what he represents for the Hoosiers.

Sisley’s commitment carries added weight because it marks Indiana’s first in-state high school recruiting victory since CJ Gunn (Ind.) signed as part of the 2022 class. More significantly, Sisley is Indiana’s highest-ranked in-state recruit since Khristian Lander, who was ranked No. 26 nationally in the class of 2020.

In a state that lives and breathes basketball, landing top local talent has long been seen as a barometer of Indiana’s program health — a concern head coach Darian DeVries has clearly prioritized since taking over the program.

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The urgency was evident when DeVries called Sisley just 30 minutes after being announced as the Hoosiers’ next head coach. That phone call helped solidify a bond that has positioned Sisley as a foundational piece moving forward for the Hoosiers.

After three strong seasons at Heritage Hills High School in southern Indiana, Sisley opted for a major challenge in his senior year — transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida. Montverde, widely considered one of the best high school basketball programs in the country, provided Sisley with an elite training environment and exposure to top-tier competition.

Despite a deep and talented roster, Sisley carved out a key role, averaging 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He shot 63% from the field and 44% from three-point range, proving he can be an efficient scorer and floor spacer.

Sisley’s commitment alone helped Indiana secure the No. 8-ranked high school class in the Big Ten. That’s no small feat considering he’s the Hoosiers’ only high school addition in 2025. The Big Ten’s 2025 class is deep, but Sisley holds his own in a talented group.

With his arrival on campus expected in early June, Sisley will begin the transition to college basketball alongside a coaching staff looking to quickly establish a new culture. Whether as a stretch four or hybrid forward, his shooting touch, rebounding instincts, and positional versatility give him a legitimate shot to earn early minutes.

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While his national ranking suggests he’s a valuable piece, it’s the local impact — as Indiana’s top-ranked in-state recruit in half a decade — that could have the longest-lasting effect. For a program eager to reconnect with its roots and recruit the Hoosier State with consistency, Sisley might represent more than just a player. He might be a turning point.

Check out all 14 of the Big Ten’s incoming freshmen ranked within the top-100:

– Alijah Arenas — USC (No. 12)

– Trey McKenney — Michigan (No. 21)

– Darius Adams — Maryland (No. 24)

– Kayden Mingo — Penn State (No. 34)

– USC signee Jerry Easter (No. 42)

– JJ Mandaquit —Washington (No. 49)

– Cam Ward — Michigan State (No. 51)

– Jordan Scott — Michigan State (No. 53)

– A’mare Bynum — Ohio State (No. 58)

– Winters Grady — Michigan (No. 59)

– Trent Sisley — Indiana (No. 79)

– Jasir Rencher — Washington (No. 91)

– Dorian Jones — Ohio State (No. 92)

– Brandon Lee — Illinois (No. 100)

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