On this episode of Ked’s Recruiting Roundup, Kedric Prince is joined by Tom Kakert of On3’s Hawkeye Report, a longtime recruiting analyst with more than 20 years of experience covering the Iowa Hawkeyes and the evolving recruiting landscape. The two discuss how NIL, the transfer portal, high school recruiting, and potential G League-to-college movement are reshaping roster building. Tom also shares Iowa’s plan to stay competitive, his outlook on the Big Ten race, and what has impressed him about Illinois.

Illinois men’s associate basketball coach Orlando Antigua joins us to discuss international recruiting, today’s challenges, and where he sees the program heading in the next few years.

In this episode, 2026 Illinois football commit Davon Grant dives into how the last few months have unfolded since his commitment to the Illini. Grant also opens up about his strong relationship with wide receivers coach Justin Stepp and how the Illini coaching staff operates under Bret Bielema’s leadership.

Cam Thomas, a 2026 four-star linebacker from Lakota West (West Chester, OH), announced his commitment today. As a result, Illinois has surged in the national team recruiting rankings. According to Rivals.com, Illinois now ranks 9th in the country, with only two other Big Ten programs cracking the top 10—Oregon at No. 1 and Penn State at No. 5.

Illinois' 2026 wide receiver commit, Davon Grant, is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound athlete from DeKalb, IL. Grant discusses his recruiting process with Illinois and head coach Bret Bielema, as well as the importance of staying home to represent his state university.

Ismael Kante, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Iowa Central Community College by way of Minneapolis, Minn.

Kante is ranked as the No. 21 overall JUCO prospect in the Class of 2025 and the No. 1 junior college linebacker in the class. Kante talks about how special head coach Bret Bielema is.

Destiny Jackson, ranked 24th nationally, and her mother Teshunda Crockwell discuss her recruitment journey and future in women’s basketball. What sold the family on Illinois and her future plans.

Ben Humrichous, an Illini transfer commit from Evansville, IN, joins me to discuss his journey and what led him to Illinois.

Illinois Tight End Commit Cole Rusk will enroll in the 2024 spring semester. Rusk mentions his passion for the opportunity to play for his home state university.