Brad Underwood needs to land a recruit for 2026, and this big man could be a great first domino to fall.
The Illinois basketball program has been on an impressive trajectory over the past several years.
Under Brad Underwood’s leadership, the Illini have experienced one of the most successful stretches in program history, highlighted by an Elite Eight appearance and five consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
A key factor in this success has been Illinois’ ability to land top-tier talent. Historically, the center position had been a weakness for the program, but that changed in 2019 when Underwood secured standout big man Kofi Cockburn. His arrival in Champaign set the tone for a new era, later attracting players like Coleman Hawkins, Dain Dainja, and Tomislav Ivisic.
Now, Illinois is in pursuit of another frontcourt force. According to Joe Tipton of On3.com, four-star center Marcis Ponder has narrowed his list to seven schools: Texas, Cincinnati, Florida State, Providence, Indiana, Miami (FL), and Illinois.
Landing Ponder would be a huge win for the Illini in every sense of the word. The 6-foot-11, 328-pound center plays at Gillilon Basketball Academy in Virginia and is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. He holds a four-star rating, checks in as the No. 71 overall player nationally, ranks ninth among centers, and is the third-best prospect from Virginia.
Illinois basketball is going to need some serious paint help in 2026 and beyond
Ponder is an absolute powerhouse in the paint. His sheer size makes him a tough matchup, and his finishing ability around the rim is outstanding. In many ways, he brings back memories of Kofi Cockburn—just with a little more bulk and a similar playing style.
Seeing Illinois in his top seven was a surprise, but certainly a welcome one. The Illini will need frontcourt reinforcements soon, with Tomislav Ivišić likely departing after the 2025-26 season and his brother Zvonimir expected to follow. That scenario would leave Illinois relying on Jason Jakstys as the primary option down low—not an ideal situation.
If Ponder were to commit, he’d have a strong chance to start immediately. His dominance is already evident, and under the guidance of strength coach Adam Fletcher, his ceiling could be sky-high. Ponder has the potential to develop into the next All-American big man for the Illini.
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