Illinois lands Nasir Rankin, a UNC recruiting target

si.com

Nasir Rankin, a highly-rated dual-sport athlete, has chosen to play football and basketball for the University of Illinois, not UNC. This decision marks a recruiting loss for the Tar Heels. Rankin, ranked No. 192 nationally in the 2026 football class, chose Illinois over UNC, Duke, Nebraska, and Southern Cal. He intends to play both sports for the Fighting Illini, showcasing his versatility. UNC's 2026 recruiting class currently ranks 14th nationally, but the loss of Rankin highlights the competitive nature of recruiting top talent.


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Illinois lands Nasir Rankin, a UNC recruiting target | News Minimalist