Illinois Expands Recruiting Efforts With Scholarship Offers to Trio of Wide Receivers
The Illini coaching staff continues to invest in the wide receiver position, extending scholarship offers on Wednesday to three high school standouts: Xavier Stinson, Jaiden Kelly-Murray, and Rob Larson.
Illinois has developed several standout wide receivers in recent seasons. In 2023, Isaiah Williams led the receiving corps, following Pat Bryant’s success the year before. This season, Hank Beatty has emerged as the team’s top receiving threat. Head coach Bret Bielema and his staff are clearly focused on maintaining and expanding this talent pipeline, as they remain aggressive in targeting skilled receivers through recruiting.
Back in May, four-star prospect Nasir Rankin committed to the Illini. Now, with fresh offers going out to Stinson, Kelly-Murray, and Larson—each from a different region of the country—Illinois is broadening its search for future playmakers.
Xavier Stinson: Who Is He?
Stinson is a class of 2026 prospect from Vero Beach High School in Florida. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he’s a three-star recruit per 247Sports who excels primarily as an outside receiver. Known for his ability to gain yards after the catch, he’s a noticeable presence on film. He currently holds 26 scholarship offers, including from Big Ten programs like UCLA, Indiana, Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and now Illinois. The SEC is also showing interest, with Arkansas and Vanderbilt extending offers.
Although Stinson doesn’t have ideal size for a traditional outside receiver, his playmaking skills have earned him national attention. He may eventually transition into the slot or be utilized in a versatile role. Illinois’ success in using receivers creatively may appeal to him. While Indiana is considered Illinois’ top competition, the Illini’s strong track record in Florida could give them an edge in landing him.
Jaiden Kelly-Murray: Who Is He?
Kelly-Murray is a class of 2027 prospect from Summerville High School in South Carolina. Ranked as the No. 40 wide receiver in the country by 247Sports, he’s already recorded over 700 scrimmage yards through just six games this season. A speedy slot receiver who also plays defensive back, he’s proven capable of making tough catches and absorbing contact.
With 27 offers already in hand, Kelly-Murray is drawing significant attention. His list includes five SEC schools—Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt—and five Big Ten programs, among them Indiana, Penn State, Wisconsin, Maryland, and now Illinois.He’s likely to end up in the SEC, with South Carolina and Florida seen as front-runners. Staying in-state to play for Shane Beamer’s program is appealing, though Florida could offer a quicker path to playing time—assuming the coaching situation stabilizes under Billy Napier.
Rob Larson: Who Is He?
Larson is another class of 2027 wide receiver, playing for Folsom High School in California. Through six games this season, he’s already posted 44 receptions, 605 yards, and eight touchdowns. A three-star talent, Larson is known for his ability to make highlight-reel catches, including one-handed grabs and contested receptions.
He holds 14 offers so far, including Big Ten schools UCLA, Washington, Wisconsin, and now Illinois.
Recruiting Outlook:
Larson is projected to stay within the Big Ten, most likely choosing one of the West Coast programs like UCLA or Washington. Given UCLA’s recent on-field improvement under interim leadership, the Bruins are expected to be a strong contender for his commitment.
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