In a surprising announcement on Saturday evening, four-star cornerback Victor Singleton from Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic has committed to Illinois, choosing the Fighting Illini over a host of top programs, including Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan, Penn State, and others.
Singleton, a highly touted prospect in the 2026 class, is ranked as the No. 65 overall player nationally, the No. 6 cornerback, and the second-best player in Ohio, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, Singleton’s decision marks a significant recruiting win for Illinois head coach Brett Bielema.
Ohio State was widely considered the frontrunner to land Singleton, making his commitment to Illinois a notable upset. The Buckeyes, along with other Big Ten powerhouses like Michigan and Penn State, were heavily involved in his recruitment, but Singleton ultimately saw Illinois as the best fit for his future.
For Indiana, the loss of Singleton adds to the challenges of building their 2026 recruiting class. While the Hoosiers have secured a strong group of cornerbacks for the 2025 class, including Jaylen Bell, Seaonta Stewart Jr., and Zacharey Smith, they have yet to land a commitment for 2026. Indiana’s secondary remains deep with returning talent like D’Angelo Ponds, Devan Boykin, and Jah’Jah Boyd, but missing out on Singleton is a setback in their pursuit of elite defensive backs.
Illinois, on the other hand, gains a cornerstone recruit in Singleton, who has the potential to make an immediate impact in their secondary. His commitment underscores Bielema’s ability to compete with traditional recruiting powerhouses and signals a bright future for the Fighting Illini’s defense.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle heats up, Singleton’s decision serves as a reminder that the race for top talent remains unpredictable, with programs like Illinois emerging as serious contenders for elite prospects.
