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 WR Nasir Rankin

1 month ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

In the film room: 2026 WR Nasir RankinThe Illini have really stepped up their game when it comes to recruiting in the 2026 class. Already with several talented players, the Illini landed a huge recruiting win with top-100 national player Nasir Rankin of Chicago (IL) Morgan Park. We see what the state’s #2-ranked prospect brings to the in-state program.
In the film room: 2026 DL King Liggins

1 month ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

The Illini already have commitments from a couple of athletic defensive line prospects in 2026, but they may have just added the capstone with Chicago (IL) Brother Rice DL King Liggins. Here's what was saw on his tape and how it translates to his future college program. VIPAt first glance:2026 Chicago (IL) Brother Rice defensive lineman King Liggins is a quick, powerful, and disruptive interior defensive lineman who is adept at shedding blocks and getting into the backfield.
In the film room: DL Parker Crim

1 month ago | 247sports.com | Ryan Easterling

In the film room: DL Parker CrimBlue Oyster Cult once had a hit song called "Don't fear the Reaper", but Elida (OH) HS defensive lineman Parker Crim, nicknamed the "Crim Reaper" generates plenty of fear in opposing offenses with his ability to affect plays. We dug into his tape to see what the Illini's new addition brings to the program.
In the film room: 2026 OL/DL Tony Balanganayi

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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 months 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

Feb 7, 2025 | 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

Feb 6, 2025 | 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

Feb 1, 2025 | 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.