2026 IOL Tony Balanganayi commits to Illinois

Palatine (Ill.) three-star interior offensive lineman Tony Balanganayi has committed to Illinois, he announced on Wednesday evening.

He chose the in-state Illini over offers from more than 10 other Power Four programs, including Auburn, Miami, Nebraska, Michigan, Kentucky and Louisville.

Balanganayi is the No. 854 overall prospect and No. 81 IOL in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 22 player in Illinois.

Head coach Bret Bielema and the Illinois staff continue to add talent to a sleeper recruiting class this cycle. Balanganayi is commitment No. 14 for the Illini, adding to a class that ranks No. 18 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder landed an offer from Illinois nearly a year ago. The Illini were his second offer, made him a priority throughout his recruitment and have now landed his pledge.

Illinois adds to impressive 2026 class

With the addition of Balanganayi, Illinois now has three offensive linemen in its 2026 class, as he flanks Olney (Ill.) Richland County three-star offensive tackle Casey Thomann and Omaha (Neb.) Millard South three-star IOL Landen Von Seggern.

Balanganayi is also just the fourth in-state prospect to pledge to the Big Ten program this cycle. De Kalb (Ill.) three-star wide receiver Davon Grant and Frankfort (Ill.) Lincoln-Way East three-star EDGE Jacob Alexander are also in the mix.

Two blue-chip prospects headline the class to date in Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic four-star cornerback Victor Singleton and West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West four-star athlete Cam Thomas. Singleton is a top-100 recruit and the No. 13 corner in the nation.

Other top commits in the class include: Jacksonville Raines three-star linebacker Tony Williams, Tampa Bay Tech three-star running back Javari Barnett, Orlando Bishop Moore Catholic three-star WR Kenyon Alston, Denton (Texas) Guyer three-star LB Kaedyn Cobbs and Orlando Seminole three-star quarterback Michael Clayton.