Illinois Football Lands their Fourth 4-Star Commit in the 2026 Class

News: Illinois Football continues to build real momentum in their class of 2026, as Bret Bielema’s crew has now landed four-star defensive back Nick Hankins from Belleville (IL) on Thursday (6/20).

Nick becomes the 8th in-state pledge (6th in the top-25) for an Illini 2026 class that now features 23 commits and ranks No. 8 nationally, per 247Sports. It’s encouraging to see Illinois re-open the Metro East and greater St. Louis area pipeline — a region loaded with talent that hasn’t always leaned in favor of a once-struggling Illinois program.

His pledge now marks the fifth commitment in the past week as the Illini staff remains aggressive on the recruiting trail for high-level talent, especially with big-time in-state players, who increasingly appear to view Champaign as a more serious option.

That being said, how does Hankins fit within the Illini’s already impressive 2026 class?

BREAKING: The #Illini have landed the commitment of 4-star Belleville West Cornerback @nickhankins113.

Hankins is the No. 13 player in the state of Illinois, and boosts the #Illini to No. 8 in the nation in the class of 2026 team rankings 👀 @ArmchairIllini pic.twitter.com/852Ivk2eDU

— Kirkland Chappell (@Kirklandchapl) June 20, 2025

How Illinois Football Will Utilize Hankins

Hankins brings a unique skill set to the Illini defense, having shown strong production on both sides of the ball for Belleville West as a junior in 2025.

Defensively, he recorded 28 tackles and 4 interceptions, while also contributing on the flip side at wide receiver with 27 catches for 622 yards and 5 touchdowns on the year. Nick’s versatility undoubtedly certainly speaks to his athleticism and football instincts.

At 6-foot and 190 pounds, Hankins combines a promising frame and physicality with impressive breakaway quickness. His aggressive style and ability to close on the ball make him a natural fit for special teams role early in his career, where his impact could be felt right away in Champaign, however, under the guidance of defensive backs coach Corey Parker, Hankins projects to develop into a long-term starter in Illinois’ secondary. With several veterans at cornerback set to depart in the coming years, he has a path to some early reps with the proper development.

Watch Nick’s Junior Season Film HERE.

Dec 31. 2024. Orlando, FL. USA. Illinois. Fighting Illini. DB Jaheim Clarke. (25). VS South Carolina. Gamecocks. Camping World Stadium. Credit: Jeremy Reper. Imagn Images.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! The Armchair team proudly announces that Feedspot has named us a top-10 Illinois news source! Please continue to support us by checking out our original apparel here. 

Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.

Finally, subscribe to our newsletter here! Go Illini!