April 20, 2026
The Northern Illinois Huskies have added some serious “size and skill” to their roster. Former Louisville High School star
Brayden Gross officially committed to NIU on April 17, making the jump to Division I after a dominant debut season at Walsh University.
Gross, a 6-foot-7 power forward, was one of the most sought-after names in the NCAA Division II transfer portal this spring. His decision comes just weeks after he was named the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Freshman of the Year.
A Freshman Force at Walsh
During the 2025–26 season, Gross was a cornerstone for the Walsh Cavaliers, starting all 25 games and leading the team to both G-MAC regular season and tournament titles. His efficiency in the paint was a nightmare for defenders, as he shot a staggering 57.1% from the field.