Illinois Football news: Wide Receiver Zakhari Franklin Declares For the NFL Draft

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— 💤 (@ZakhariFranklin) February 1, 2025

 Franklin’s Impressive Career to Date

Illinois football fans’ first encounter with Zakhari Franklin was one they would rather forget.

Back in 2021, the Cedar Hill, TX native torched the Illini while playing for UTSA under then-Roadrunners offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. In a dominant performance, he hauled in 10 catches for 155 yards and a crucial touchdown, leading UTSA to its first-ever win over a Big Ten program. That loss proved to be a painful one, as Illinois finished the season 5-7, missing out on a bowl game.

However, life has a funny way of bringing things full circle. After a transfer to the SEC (Ole Miss), injuries slowed Franklin’s momentum. Luckily, fate—and the transfer portal—aligned him with the Illini in 2025. With Lunney now calling plays for Bret Bielema and co, Franklin reunited with his former OC, providing Illinois Football with a much-needed playmaker in the receiving corps.

From an Illini dream killer in 2021 to becoming a key contributor on a team that has brightened the path to a new future for Illinois Football, Franklin has been a thrill to watch.

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