McCordsville Native Jake Davis Rises from Mid-Major to Final Four Starter

The Illinois wing has mastered his role, helping the Illini reach the national semifinals.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an Illinois basketball player in motion, with sharp planes of color and form abstracting their features and movements.Jake Davis' path from mid-major recruit to Final Four starter with Illinois is a testament to his dedication and ability to excel in his role.Indianapolis Today

Jake Davis, a native of McCordsville, Indiana, has gone from a mid-major basketball prospect to a starting wing for the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four. After playing a minor role on the 2020 state championship football team at Indianapolis Cathedral High School, Davis focused on basketball and became a key starter on Cathedral's 2022 state title team. Now, he's earned a starting spot for Illinois, which has reached the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

Davis' journey from a little-used high school football player to a starting wing in the Final Four is an inspiring story of hard work and perseverance. His ability to embrace his role and contribute to winning teams at every level has been crucial to his development and the Illini's success this season.

The details

After a solid high school career, Davis was not the most sought-after recruit, but he proved to be a valuable addition to the Illinois program. As a sophomore, he played mostly on special teams for Cathedral's 2020 state championship football team, but then focused on basketball and became a key starter on the 2022 state title team. Now, the 6-foot-5 wing has earned a starting role for Illinois, helping the Illini reach the Final Four in his hometown of Indianapolis.

  • Davis was a sophomore tight end for Indianapolis Cathedral when the Fighting Irish won the 2020 IHSAA Class 5A state championship game.
  • As a high school junior, Davis was a key starter on Cathedral boys' basketball's 2022 state championship team.
  • More than five years after leaving Lucas Oil Stadium as part of a title-winning football team, Davis re-entered the Colts' stadium hoping to win another title as a starting wing for Illinois in the 2026 Final Four.

The players

Jake Davis

A native of McCordsville, Indiana, Davis is a starting wing for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team, which has reached the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Cathedral

The high school Davis attended, where he was a member of the 2020 state championship football team and the 2022 state championship basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Big and clunky and not very coordinated at the time, but had potential. But we went the basketball route.”

— Jake Davis, Illinois Basketball Player

What’s next

Davis and the Illinois Fighting Illini will face the UConn Huskies in the 2026 NCAA Tournament semifinals on Saturday, April 5th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

Jake Davis' journey from a little-used high school football player to a starting wing in the Final Four is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to embrace his role on winning teams. His story serves as an inspiration for players who may not be the most highly touted recruits but can still make a significant impact through their contributions to the team.