More good news came Thursday night, more specifically for anyone associated with the Illinois football program. Another anti-climactic commitment came and went uniquely for four-star in-state product Nick Hankins, a defensive back from Belleville West High School.
Hankins, whose final five schools also included Iowa, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Missouri outside of the aforementioned Illini, kept fans of each school on edge with initially putting on the Tigers hat.
An ear-to-ear grin could be seen on Hankins as he reached for the Illinois hat on the 247Sports live stream, but something was different about it. After briefly wearing it, another delay ensued before a life-changing phone call occurred.
On the other end was none other than Illinois' Bret Bielema, as the soon-to-be fifth-year Champaign coach has had quite the busy week on the recruiting trail.
"I'm ready to be part of the I-L-L family," Hankins told an already jubilated Bielema.
Bielema responded as quietly as possible, which is rather unsusual for the outgoing coach.
"I'm not in an environment [a dance class] where I can scream, but I'm happy, man," Bielema said over the speaker.
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Hankins' pledge gives the Illini even more momentum as 23 commits make up the 2026 class. This is good enough for No. 8 nationally.
Sometimes, one phone call is all it takes. For the Illini, it was a sweet way to seal a big-time recruitment.