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

Franklin made a massive impact in just one year with the Illini.

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1 year ago

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Illinois Football
Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Zakhari Franklin (4) dives after the catch for the touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
NEWS: Illinois Football senior wide receiver and former Ole Miss transfer Zakhari Franklin has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, per his “X” account. After finishing his career as one of the top producers in college football, Zakhari is dreaming of the big phone call. In just one season in Champaign, Franklin tallied 55 receptions, 652 yards, and 4 touchdowns for the Fighting Illini, forming a dynamic duo for QB Luke Altmyer, along with fellow NFL Draft entry WR Pat Bryant. His presence helped power Illinois’ to a breakout season in 2024, including their first postseason win since 2011.

 

 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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Kirkland is an expert source for Illinois athletics news. He is the lead Football analyst at Armchair Illini and has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.

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