Ryan Easterling

Lombard

Recruiting Reporter at 247Sports

Recruiting Reporter at Illini Inquirer (https://t.co/dcAzEwCfuT) Occasional wrestling tweeter.

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In the film room: 2026 OL/DL Tony Balanganayi

1 week ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

Listed as an offensive prospect, in-state Palatine HS lineman Tony Balanganayi may actually have a future on the defensive line. We give our breakdown of the new Illini commit and where he could fit best with the Illini. VIPAt first glance:Whether on offense or defense, Palatine (IL) HS OL/DLTony Balanganayi's foot quickness allow him to be an effective lineman who can both protect and disrupt.
In the film room: 2026 DB Almirian Thomas

1 week ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

The Illini have found some real gems at the DB position out of Florida over the last several years. We evaluate the film on Cape Coral (FL) HS defensive back Almirian Thomas to see if he could be the next in a series of underdog success stories in Champaign. VIPAt first glance:Cape Coral (FL) HS defensive back Almirian Thomas is a sticky defender with a great frame and an unrelenting hustle any time he’s on the field.
In the film room: 2026 LB Tony Williams

1 week ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

The Illini added a second inside linebacker in 2026 with Jacksonville-based prospect Tony Williams. We checked out the film to see what the 247Sports composite top-500 prospect brings to Illinois and how he fits with fellow pledge Cam Thomas and the rest of the linebacker room. VIPAt first glance:Jacksonville (FL) Raines linebacker Tony Williams doesn’t have the biggest frame, but he’s built sturdy and is a reliable sideline-to-sideline defender.
In the film room: 2026 RB Javari Barnett

2 weeks ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

The Illini continue to find success in the Sunshine State in the 2026 class with the latest addition being Tampa (FL) Bay Tech running back Javari Barnett. VIPAt first glance:2026 Tampa (FL) Tampa Bay Tech running back Javari Barnett is an every-down back with a well-rounded set of skills and an ability to absorb contact while staying on his feet.
In the film room: 2026 LB Kaedyn Cobbs

2 months ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

The Illini landed their second linebacker pledge in two days, this time from Dallas Metroplex-area standout Kaedyn Cobbs. A different type of player from Cam Thomas, we see what Cobbs' film is all about and project his fit with his future program. VIPAt first glance:Denton (TX) Guyer linebacker Kaedyn Cobbs is an explosive athlete with great speed at the linebacker position and great ball skills stemming from his experience at safety.
In the film room: 2026 LB Cam Thomas

2 months ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

In the film room: 2026 LB Cam ThomasAfter scoring big at West Chester (OH) Lakota West in the 2025 class with a late flip of linebacker Grant Beerman, the Illini secured the pledge of his former and now future teammate in highly-coveted Cam Thomas. We saw a bit of Thomas on Beerman's tape, but now we put the focus on Thomas and see what he's all about.
In the film room: 2026 DB Victor Singleton

2 months ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

Illinois is putting together one of its best classes in recent memory, and the addition of star Toledo (OH) Central Catholic DB Victor Singleton only further elevated the class. We break down what Singleton, a top-50 player nationally in the 247Sports ratings, shows on his tape and what he brings to the Illini. VIPAt first glance:Toledo (OH) Central Catholic defensive back Victor Singleton is an absolute ballhawk who plays with explosiveness and range out of the defensive backfield.
In the film room: 2026 EDGE Jacob Alexander

2 months ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

Illinois is finally starting to see their diligent in-state recruiting efforts bear fruit. The latest addition, Frankfort (IL) Lincoln-Way East EDGE Jacob Alexander spurned other noteworthy P4 programs for the Illini. We review the game film to see what the in-state standout brings to the Illinois program.
In the film room: 2026 WR Kenyon Alston

Jan 23, 2025 | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

2026 Orlando (FL) Bishop Moore WR Kenyon Alston got a chance to see what the Illini were all about, taking in their Citrus Bowl win on New Year's Eve with two future teammates. Now, we see what Alston is all about as we break down his junior film and his fit with the Illini. VIPAt first glance:Orlando (FL) Bishop Moore Catholic WR Kenyon Alston is a big, fast, and physical target who separates especially well and can split a defense deep.
In the film room: 2026 OL Landen Von Seggern

Jan 15, 2025 | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

In the film room: 2026 OL Landen Von SeggernIt's getting cold outside, but the Illini are starting to turn up the heat on their 2026 class. On Wednesday, the Illini added Omaha (NE) Millard South OL Landen Von Seggern. After working through his junior tape, we give our thoughts on what he brings to the Orange and Blue. At first glance:Make no mistake about it, Omaha (NE) Millard South offensive lineman Landen Von Seggern seeks out contact. And when he makes contact, he delivers it with force.