Recruiting has been kind of quiet when it comes to the Illinois basketball class of 2026.
So far, the Illini have yet to land a commitment for 2026. After two years of crazy recruiting, things seem to have hit a lull for 2026. That could all change with a commitment or two from some of the biggest recruits left on the board.
There are a handful of names that really stick out to me. I want Illinois to load up in the class of 2026, and these players would be great for the program.
Here are the top five key recruits for the Illinois basketball program in 2026.
1. Dylan Mingo
Brad Underwood has proved with this coaching staff that Illinois basketball can go big. We can land the elite recruits. Well, pulling in someone like Dylan Mingo would send shockwaves throughout college basketball.
Mingo is a 6-foot-5, 180-pound point guard from Long Island Lutheran High School in New York. He is rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 9 player in the class of 2026. He is also the No. 3 point guard in the country and the top player coming out of New York.
In recent weeks, Mingo has talked about his recruitment. He mentioned a few programs, and Illinois was in the mix of the teams he was talking about.
I would be curious to see how Illinois uses Mingo. While he is listed as a point guard, he has more of a wing style of play. Mingo displayed his talent this offseason, playing for PSA Cardinals in the EYBL. He averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in AAU ball.
It wouldn’t shock me to see Mingo used like a slasher who can rack up points at the rim and free throw line. This kid is a big-time player with the talent to play numerous positions. Illinois should continue to prioritize him.