Illinois lands commitment from coveted in-state 4-star prospect Nasir Rankin

Bret Bielema and Illinois landed one of their top overall targets in the 2026 class on Wednesday, receiving a verbal from Chicago (Ill.) Morgan Park On3 Industry four-star standout Nasir Rankin.

The 6-foot, 170-pound Rankin will start at wide receiver in Champaign but plans on also playing defense when all is said and done.

The blue-chipper will also play basketball at Illinois. He chose to stay in-state over opportunities from Michigan, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Indiana, Michigan State, Missouri and USC.

“Man it’s just ever since I went down there they treated me like I was already at the school,” Rankin said. It was crazy. I knew it was home.

“It was my first offer. They were the first people to take a chance on me and they never stopped believing in me … It was perfect.”

Nasir Rankin will play two sports for Illinois

The On3 Industry tabs Rankin as the nation’s No. 30 receiver and No. 196 prospect overall. He becomes commit No. 16 for Bielema and the Illini in the 2026 cycle and the second of the day joining in-state defensive lineman King Liggins.

“My dream as a kid was to play basketball and football in college,” Rankin said. “Everyone told me I couldn’t do it and everybody told me it’s hard. The basketball staff offered me. This is my opportunity to chase my dreams.”

Illinois football is chasing new heights. Last fall it won 10 games for the fourth time in school history and first since 2001. Bielema and the Illini aim to go higher with guys like Rankin.

“I see what he did to the program and his past programs,” Rankin said. “For example Wisconsin he was able to change that program around. He had JJ watt and Russell Wilson. I believe in him as a coach. There is a whole lot of trust baked in with me and my family. He always kept it real with me.

“It seems like it’s been progressing Illinois every year since Coach B’s been up there,” Rankin said. “I see the type of class they have right now. Only adding me and trying to get a few others that’s what matters most to me. I can see it’s progressing to be one of the best programs.”