2-way, 2-sport athlete Nasir Rankin adds juice to the Illinois athletic department

Both Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood gained a big-time recruit when four-star athlete Nasir Rankin committed to the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Dec 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood acknowledges the fans before a game with the Chicago State Cougars at State Farm Center.
Dec 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood acknowledges the fans before a game with the Chicago State Cougars at State Farm Center. | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

When you're labeled as an "athlete" in your football recruiting profile, it's a sign that you can play on either side of the ball. For four-star ATH Nasir Rankin, it means a little bit more.

Rankin, who committed to the Fighting Illini on Wednesday, May 21, will do more than step onto the football field for Illinois and head coach Bret Bielema. The young athlete will also step onto the court for head coach Brad Underwood.

As a football prospect, Rankin played both wide receiver and defensive back for his high school team, earning notable snaps on both sides of the ball.

Nasir Rankin high school football stats

  • 19 carries, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
  • 40 receptions, 991 yards, 12 touchdowns
  • 33 total tackles (17 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss
  • 6 interceptions, 133 yards, 1 touchdown
  • 6 pass deflections
  • 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries

Rankin also played point and shooting guard throughout his high school tenure, playing football and basketball for Morgan Park High School in Chicago, IL.

Nasir Rankin high school basketball stats

  • 23.2 points per game
  • 3.3 rebounds per game
  • 3.3 assists per game
  • 2.6 steals per game

According to On3, Rankin was the No. 7 athlete out of the state of Illinois in the football class of 2026. He is listed as the No. 30 overall receiver and the No. 11 ATH in the country. Luckily for the Fighting Illini, the young prospect will be playing both sports for Illinois as well.

Rankin and fellow class of 2026 prospect King Liggins, a defensive lineman who is also from Chicago, both announced their official commitment to Illinois on May 21.