Illinois lands a commitment from a coveted WR target Kenyon Alston

Orlando (Fla.) Bishop Moore Catholic 2026 receiver Kenyon Alston tells On3 he has committed to Illinois.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Alston chose the Illini over offers from Missouri, Miami, UCF, USF, Vanderbilt, Minnesota and Baylor among others.

Receivers coach Justin Stepp and assistant quarterbacks coach Artur Sitkowski were the lead recruiters for Illinois and head coach Bret Bielema was down to see Alston earlier this week.

“The relationship that I’ve built with Coach Stepp and Coach Art is a big reason why I chose Illinois,” Alston told On3. “Coach Stepp has developed some elite wide receivers and I’m excited to learn from him!”

The Illini are coming off a 10-3 campaign including a Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina to cap the year.

“I strongly believe the program is heading in the right direction and I definitely want to be a part of it.” Alston said.

Illini offered Alston back in July and he visited Champaign a couple times. He becomes commit No. 5 for Bielema and his staff in the class, joining quarterback Michael Clayton, linebacker/edge Kingston Shaw, offensive lineman Landen Von Seggern and athlete Davon Grant.

“Illinois’s success has come from great coaching and player development,” Alston said.

Why Kenyon Alston is a strong pickup for Illinois

Alston had a huge junior season turning 48 receptions into 970 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per catch. Heading into his senior season he will be a four-year varsity starter that has 107 receptions for 1,817 yards and 26 touchdowns. The On3 Industry tabs Alston as the No. 89 ranked receiver in the country.

Other offers for Alston included Arkansas, Florida State, Penn State, Syracuse, Iowa State and Pittsburgh. The Illini are coming off their first 10-win season since 2001. They finished No. 16 in the country.

Illinois is turning this past season’s success into recruiting momentum and Alston is the latest to join the fold.