Illinois Set for a Breakthrough Year in Recruiting
Illinois football is riding a wave of momentum, and it’s showing in their 2026 recruiting efforts. Fresh off a stellar 10-win season and a bowl victory over South Carolina, the Illini are making serious noise on the recruiting trail. But it’s not just about their on-field success head coach Bret Bielema and his staff have been relentless in forging key relationships, particularly in Illinois and Florida.
Their hard work is paying off. The Illini are in prime position to land four-star prospects Nasir Rankin, JC Anderson, and Cam Thomas, which could make this one of their strongest recruiting classes in history. If they keep this pace, Illinois is well on track to finish in the top half of the Big Ten recruiting rankings ”an impressive leap for the program.
Ohio State Likely to Keep Cincere Johnson Home
Cincere Johnson is one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, and powerhouse programs like Notre Dame, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma are all in the hunt. He recently visited Oklahoma on January 25 and is set to check out Alabama in early February.
Despite all the competition, Ohio State is in the driver’s seat to keep the elite linebacker prospect close to home. Johnson is prioritizing player development and elite linebacker production both of which the Buckeyes have consistently delivered. Coming off a national championship and with Ryan Day’s staff making him a priority, it’s hard to see Johnson choosing anywhere but Ohio State.
