Illinois has done a great job pulling in big-time talent for the class of 2026.
As of right now, the Illini class of 2026 ranks No. 10 in the country, as we have 16 pledges thus far. That could all change, though. The offseason is long, and other programs come in and can throw around money and other things that interest players.
In an article by John Garcia Jr. of Rivals, he mentions that Michigan has the attention of Illinois commit Kenyon Alston after the Wolverines offered him a scholarship. The offer from Michigan came in just days ago.
It is always concerning when a team like Michigan gets in the mix. Setting their checkered last few years aside, the Wolverines have deep pockets and a recent national championship. That is always tough to compete with.
But Illinois does have a strong relationship with Alston. There was a visit back in November and January. The key visit will be the official visit coming up on June 6, though. Illinois will host Alston on this visit, and it is paramount to impress the talented pass catcher so that we don’t lose him down the stretch.
Losing Kenyon Alston to Michigan would be a tough loss for a great Illinois class of 2026
Bret Bielema has done some impressive work on the 2026 class. The fact that we are in the conversation for a top 15 recruiting class is something I didn’t think could happen.
Alston would be a tough loss, though. He is a three-star recruit and is the No. 703 player in the class of 2026. He is also the No. 107 wide receiver in the country and the No. 91 player in the state of Florida.
The thing that would disappoint me the most is the fact that Illinois would lose a nice big target. Alston checks in at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. He probably still has some room to grow physically, too.
I want future Illinois quarterbacks to have large targets. We need players who can go up and get the ball. Having a nice big red zone target would be ideal as well. Hopefully, the official visit coming up seals the deal and locks in Alston throughout the recruiting process.