DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University men's basketball head coach Matt Majkrzak announced the signing Brayden Gross (Louisville, Ohio/Louisville HS) to join the Huskie men's basketball program for the 2026-27 season. Gross becomes the eighth signee for NIU this spring, with additional signings to come. 

"Brayden is a winner," said Majkrzak. "He actually ended my Northern Michigan career, knocking us out of the D2 tournament in the second round. Charlie Wallrapp, our assistant coach, is very familiar with him, both recruiting him, and playing against him. On offense, Brayden finds the mismatch and then scores on whatever advantage the defense gives him. He has a relentless motor and plays with the heart and competitive spirit that we value. He's going to be great in red and black."

Gross was named the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year this past season at Walsh University while also earning first team all-league honors. The 6-foot-7 Gross averaged 13.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers, shooting 57 percent (167-of-293) from the field on the season. Gross started all 33 games for Walsh, helping them post a 29-4 overall record while reaching the Regional Final of the NCAA Division II Tournament. 

Fans can make deposits for season tickets for the first season of the Matt Majkrzak era online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets, by contacting the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or via email at huskiestickets@niu.edu.

The Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund supports Huskie student-athletes with a forward-thinking approach designed to strengthen competitiveness, elevate the student-athlete experience, and secure a successful future for NIU Athletic programs. For more information or to contribute to the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund, please contact the Huskies Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923 or huskieathleticfund@niu.edu.