Football

Why Illinois Football is “Just the Place” for Kenyon Alston to Chase His NFL Dreams

The Illini continue to add talented pieces to their wide receiver corps.

Published

5 months ago

March 9, 2025

Kirkland Chappell

Illinois Football wide receiver commit, Kenyon Alston.

Credit: Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

Florida native and 3-star wide receiver Kenyon Alston was the fifth commitment for Illinois Football in their impressive early haul for the class of 2026, which currently remains ranked in the Top 10, per 247 Sports.

He is the second wide receiver pledge for the Illini in the class thus far, joining in-state prospect Davon Grant in shaping the future of Illinois wide receiver room—adding another talented piece to coach Justin Stepp’s arsenal. With the Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin era in Champaign ending, the Illini will need talent in the room.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound standout from Bishop Moore (HS) had a dominant junior campaign in 2024, racking up 48 receptions for 970 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season. His performance cemented him as one of the top receivers in the talent-rich Orlando area—earning him a long list of notable offers. Despite opportunities from: Ole Miss, Arkansas, Baylor, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Iowa State, Miami, Mississippi State, Penn State, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Minnesota, Vanderbilt, Missouri, and more, Alston chose Illinois as his future destination back in late January.

Alston flashes some striking similarities to Pat Bryant with his size and ability to make contested catches.

So, why Illinois Football for the exciting Sunshine State native? For Alston, the program felt like “Just the place” to develop his game and chase his NFL dreams.

When did your interest in Illinois Football begin, and how did it develop?

“I was born and raised in Michigan so I’m familiar with B1G landscape,” says Alston.

From my first visit to Illinois coach Stepp has shown me how he wants to develop my game. I believe he can help me get my game to the next level

Why Illinois, for a Florida native with a plethora of offers, looking for a shot at the NFL?

It’s been amazing going through this process with the Illinois coaching staff. I was honored to host them when they came for my home visit. I can’t wait to get back on campus, and I have a really good relationship with Coach Stepp and Coach Art. They check on me and make sure that my family and I are good.

[Pat] Bryant and [Zakhari] Franklin had a great season. I love their game. For me, my number 1 question in recruiting is who can take my game to the next level. I believe Coach Stepp and Coach Lunney’s offense is just the place to do it

Kenyon’s Take on Illinois Early Top-10 2026 Class

“The 2026 class will be special—the brotherhood has already begun. I got a feeling there will be more big names to commit.”

A Player Alston Draws Inspiration From

“My favorite player in the league is Deandre Hopkins. I feel my play style is very similar to his since I can make big plays and win contested balls.“

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Kirkland Chappell

Kirkland is an expert source for Illinois athletics news. He is the lead Football analyst at Armchair Illini and has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.