Illinois Football commit King Liggins talks commitment ‘felt like home’

Last week, Illinois football received the commitment of three-star in-state prospect King Liggins, whose pledge helps the Illini retain a top-10 position (No. 10) in the class of 2026, which, thus far, is shaping up well early for Bret Bielema’s squad.

The Chicago native (Brother Rice HS) is one of the top in-state prospects in the class of 2026 who chose the Illini over Wisconsin, Kansas State, Northwestern, and more. A prototype interior player at 6’4 and 280 pounds – Liggins makes for a really solid pickup on the Defensive front for coach Terrance Jamison, who looks to add future depth to a unit that has thus far been a strength under his leadership.

After making his decision, King discussed with Armchair Illini to discuss why Illinois was just the right place for him among a list of impressive suitors.

Staying home🟠🔵 #ILL #FamILLy #HTTO pic.twitter.com/aFHR6jmQP2

— King Liggins (@King_liggins1) May 23, 2025

1. Why Illinois?

For Liggins, the Illinois Football program possessed all the makings for staying home to be the most enticing option. Though others on his list offered the ability to remain close to home, something about King’s official visit to Champaign just felt right.

“I picked Illinois because it just felt like home. The coaches are really passionate about me as a player and person, and they care about my family. Everyone was humble there and worked hard, so I knew it was the right place.”

2 . The Newton Effect

Liggins is chasing NFL Dreams in Champaign, and for a defensive lineman – developing under Bret Bielema and Terrance Jamison is certainly not a bad place to be. For King – recent success at the position was certainly a very strong sell to keep the talented big man in state.

“I saw how the Illinois Football program helped guys like Jer’Zhan Newton get really good and go to the NFL,” stated Liggins.

“They (Bielema’s staff) compare me to him (Newton) and think I can be a dynamic player like him. That made me feel like they can help me grow. I want to be great, and they’ve done it before.”

3. Where Does King Want to See His Game Improve Most During His Time in Champaign?

Though King’s film proves a ferocious tenacity on the field, leaving not much to the imaginations as to why the Illini were in heavy pursuit, there is a need for development before Liggins becomes a highly productive asset to DC Aaron Henry’s defense. Especially in the trenches, when talking Big Ten football.

Liggins humbly feels that there is always room to improve, and right now, getting after quarterbacks is priority #1.

“I want to keep getting better at all and any kinks in my game. So, probably transitional pass rush.”

4. Thoughts on a Top-10 2026 Class for Illinois Football?

The Illini football program is undoubtedly taking major strides off the field as well, currently bolstering a No. 10 position in the recruiting team rankings for the class of 2026. It’s certainly unfamiliar territory after years of struggle on the recruiting trail, but, Illinois staff is doing a great job of keeping the pieces together for a potentially special recruiting class for Bret Bielema.

As one of the top priority recruits of this class, and an in-state, what does it feel like to be apart of a momentous class?

“It’s amazing, because all the players in this class have a special talent about them that can help us win.” 

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