Illinois Football news: Top in-state D-lineman King Liggins visits the Illini

News: Illinois football is heavily prioritizing three-star defensive lineman King Liggins. Liggins is one of the top in-state prospects in the class of 2026 and currently plays at Brother Rice High School in Chicago, Illinois. Per 247sports, Liggins is a three-star prospect who also holds offers from Rutgers, Iowa, and Indiana, among many others. There is certainly a sell for the development that Terrance Jamison has brought to the defensive line room, and top recruits are listening.  A few weeks ago, Liggins visited the Illini campus and came away impressed. He kindly spent some time recapping his visit with me.

How the visit went

“The best part of the visit was when we went out to eat and got the chance to know the staff more,” Liggins told Armchair Illini, “They treat us like family”.  Coach Jamison and Bret Bielema have tried very hard over the past few recruiting cycles to reel in an in-state defensive lineman. With former Illini Jer’Zhan Newton making it to the NFL, there is quite a sell.

Jamison and Bielema told Liggins that “The best players in Illinois stay in Illinois”. Liggins added that his recruitment is ongoing, but “Illinois stands very high. I am trying to check out a few more schools in the Big Ten.”

Had an amazing time at The University of Illinois this weekend! @CoachJamison @BretBielema @SWiltfong_ @EDGYTIM @AllenTrieu @CoachQuedenfeld @2_adjames @OLineDlineFact1 @BrotherRiceFB@NateMcNeal32 pic.twitter.com/fP3hbENvc4

— King Liggins (@King_liggins1) April 13, 2025

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