Illinois Football Target Nasir Rankin Sets Commitment Date
The Illinois football program is already having a successful offseason, with coach Bret Bielema’s squad expected to return 16 starters. Their 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 11 nationally by 247Sports, and it could get even stronger soon.
Four-star athlete Nasir Rankin, an in-state prospect from the class of 2026, has announced that he will reveal his college decision on Wednesday, choosing from five finalists.
Rankin, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound playmaker from Morgan Park in Chicago, is ranked as the second-best player in Illinois and among the top prospects in the country (according to 247Sports). During his standout junior season, he recorded 40 catches for 991 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also playing defensive back. Although he excels on both sides of the ball, Rankin is projected to play wide receiver at the collegiate level.
🎰🎰 where will 7 go pic.twitter.com/dbzYBzL6CB
— NASIR RANKIN (@The_Real_Nas1) May 16, 2025
In addition to his football skills, Rankin is a talented basketball player. Illinois is the only school recruiting him for both sports, with basketball coach Brad Underwood and the Illini basketball staff offering him a scholarship as well. This unique dual-sport opportunity could give Illinois an edge in his recruitment.
Rankin’s other top schools include Duke, Nebraska, North Carolina, and USC, but the Illini have gained strong momentum, particularly after his official visit to Champaign last month.
If Rankin chooses Illinois, he would become the highest-ranked player in the Illini’s 2026 class, further demonstrating the success Bielema’s staff is having in recruiting. Securing top local talent like Rankin is critical as Illinois aims to establish itself as a top contender nationally. With Wednesday’s decision approaching, all eyes in Champaign will be on his commitment.
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