Football
Illinois Football news: In-state OL Tony Balanganayi commits to the Illini
The Illini pick up their fourth in-state commitment in an already impressive class of 2026.

News: Illinois football picks up its third commitment of the week after a huge recruiting weekend in Champaign. After Almirian Thomas and Tony Williams committed from Florida, the Illini received some in-state news with the commitment of Tony Balanganayi.
Tony is a 6 foot 4, 270 pound lineman who chose the Illini over offers from Kansas, Kansas State, Michigan State, Nebraska and more. Per 247sports, He is the 21st overall prospect in the state of Illinois and currently sits as a three-star prospect.
Balanganayi is the fourth in-state commitment in the class of 2026 thus far. Offensive lineman Casey Thomann, receiver DaVon Grant, and EDGE rusher Jacob Alexander are all rock-solid in their commitment to the in-state school. All four in-state commits have a slew of other Power Five offers, which goes to show how far the Illini have come in the recruiting game.
Continued recruiting momentum for Illinois football
Illinois football is hot right now. Their class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best in program history. Per the 247sports rankings, the class is the 7th best in the nation. All 14 of their commitments have multiple power-five offers and fill positions of need. Having such a strong base going into the summer allows Illinois to take some big swings on some marquee prospects. After a 10-win season, the expectation is to continue that trend with starting QB Luke Altmyer returning along with key players like Xavier Scott, Gabe Jacas, and J.C. Davis.
Bret Bielema has this program rolling at a very high level right now.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is certainly no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.
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.
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! Furthermore, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
-
Basketball4 days ago
Why Andrej Stojakovic is primed for a major junior season with the Illini
-
Basketball5 days ago
Why Kylan Boswell will be an All-Big Ten Player in 2026
-
Basketball5 days ago
Illinois basketball to rematch UConn Huskies at Madison Square Garden
-
Basketball1 day ago
Illinois basketball offers intriguing east coast power forward
-
Football12 hours ago
Why Luke Altmyer chose an Illini legacy over an SEC payday
-
Basketball3 days ago
Illinois Basketball Stars Climbing Recent NBA Mock Drafts
-
Basketball3 days ago
Illinois basketball news: Texas Tech added to the Illini’s non-conference schedule