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Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions

Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Scott Burgess
Scott Burgess August 21, 2025 @ 12:00 PM
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In this article:

Tony Balanganayi
Tony Balanganayi 6'6" | C | 2026
IL
Nick Hankins
Nick Hankins 6'1" | SG | 2026
IL
Claude Mpouma
Claude Mpouma 6'7" | C | 2026
IL
Gavin Mueller
Gavin Mueller 6'6" | PF | 2026
IL
Max Carmicle
Max Carmicle 6'6" | C | 2026
IL
JC Anderson
JC Anderson 6'7" | C | 2026
IL
Davon Grant
Davon Grant 6'5" | PF | 2026
IL
Nasir Rankin
Nasir Rankin 6'2" | SG | 2026
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With football season kicking off next week we wanted to take a look at the key dual sport athletes that have committed to P4 schools on the gridiron already. Will they enroll early in college for football to play spring ball? Will they play basketball as seniors? We give you the answers here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1552476"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447b8e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rankin has committed to play at Illinois as the top football recruit in the state. He will also get a shot to be on the basketball roster as well. The wide receiver tells PHI that he will be enrolling early with the Illini to participate in spring ball. He also has the Army All-American Game December 21 and Navy All-American Game January 11. Rankin says his plan as of now is to play the first part of the season until those events happen and then move into Champaign in January.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2323290"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447b944"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The state's #2 overall prospect is the top offensive lineman headed to Nebraska. Elite athleticism and footwork at his size which has been shown on the hardwood. He will be enrolling early at Nebraska and not playing hoops as a senior at Mt. Carmel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2323269"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447b98e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carmicle is a big time edge rusher that flipped to Purdue after originally being committed to Northern Illinois. Carmicle first caught our attention as a hooper where he brings strength and athleticism up front. He plans on playing his senior year of hoops at Hillcrest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2105355"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447b9d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grant is one of the premier dual sport athletes in the state. On the hardwood he throws down thunderous dunks. As a football player he has next level star potential at either wide receiver or safety. The Illini commit tells us he will be enrolling at semester for the Big 10 program and not playing for Dekalb hoops this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2823585"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447ba1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Illini commit here as the offensive lineman/defensive lineman is one of the premier football prospects in the state. He had a great summer on the hardwood as well and tells us that he will not enroll early and play basketball as a senior for Palatine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2323267"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447ba61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anderson is a nationally ranked tight end headed to Ole Miss. He has also been a force on the hardwood leading Mt. Zion to back to back tremendous seasons. He tells us that he recently decided that he will graduate early and not play basketball as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2823498"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447baa6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hankins is the top corner in the state and has already made a commitment to Illinois. He says at this time he does not think he will be playing basketball as a senior, but is still thinking about it. He does plan on enrolling at semester for Illinois so if he does it would be just for a few weeks on the hoops side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2323271"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a5fc447baeb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mueller is a top tight end commit that is headed to Colorado. He says he is not 100% sure if he will play hoops or not. He does plan to enroll early at semester for the Buffalos so if he does play it would be just for the first month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

With football season kicking off next week we wanted to take a look at the key dual sport athletes that have committed to P4 schools on the gridiron already. Will they enroll early in college for football to play spring ball? Will they play basketball as seniors? We give you the answers here!

Illinois
Football
Nasir Rankin

Nasir Rankin

IL
SG
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Nasir
Rankin SG
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
HS
Morgan Park
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Rankin has committed to play at Illinois as the top football recruit in the state. He will also...
Written by Scott Burgess
Illinois
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Nasir Rankin

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Morgan Park
Club: Kevon Looney Power 5
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Nebraska
Football
Claude Mpouma

Claude Mpouma

IL
C
HEIGHT 6'7"
POS C
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Claude
Mpouma C
Class
2026
Height
6'7"
HS
Mt. Carmel
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
The state’s #2 overall prospect is the top offensive lineman headed to Nebraska. Elite athleticism and footwork at...
Written by Scott Burgess
Nebraska
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Claude Mpouma

State: Illinois
School: Mt. Carmel
Club: Meanstreets
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Purdue
Football
Max Carmicle

Max Carmicle

IL
C
HEIGHT 6'6"
POS C
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Max
Carmicle C
Class
2026
Height
6'6"
HS
Hillcrest
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Carmicle is a big time edge rusher that flipped to Purdue after originally being committed to Northern Illinois....
Written by Scott Burgess
Purdue
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Max Carmicle

State: Illinois
School: Hillcrest
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Illinois
Football
Davon Grant

Davon Grant

IL
PF
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS PF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Davon
Grant PF
Class
2026
Height
6'5"
HS
DeKalb
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Grant is one of the premier dual sport athletes in the state. On the hardwood he throws down...
Written by Scott Burgess
Illinois
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Davon Grant

State: Illinois
School: DeKalb
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Illinois
Football
Tony Balanganayi

Tony Balanganayi

IL
C
HEIGHT 6'6"
POS C
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Tony
Balanganayi C
Class
2026
Height
6'6"
HS
Palatine
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Another Illini commit here as the offensive lineman/defensive lineman is one of the premier football prospects in the...
Written by Scott Burgess
Illinois
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Tony Balanganayi

State: Illinois
School: Palatine
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

LSU (Louisiana State)
Football
JC Anderson

JC Anderson

IL
C
HEIGHT 6'7"
POS C
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
JC
Anderson C
Class
2026
Height
6'7"
HS
Mt. Zion
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Anderson is a nationally ranked tight end headed to Ole Miss. He has also been a force on...
Written by Scott Burgess
LSU (Louisiana State)
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

JC Anderson

State: Illinois
School: Mt. Zion
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Illinois
Football
Nick Hankins

Nick Hankins

IL
SG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Nick
Hankins SG
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
HS
Belleville West
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Hankins is the top corner in the state and has already made a commitment to Illinois. He says...
Written by Scott Burgess
Illinois
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Nick Hankins

State: Illinois
School: Belleville West
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Miami (FL)
Football
Gavin Mueller

Gavin Mueller

IL
PF
HEIGHT 6'6"
POS PF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Gavin
Mueller PF
Class
2026
Height
6'6"
HS
South Elgin
|
IL
Enroll Early or Hoops? Star Football Commits Decisions
Mueller is a top tight end commit that is headed to Colorado. He says he is not 100%...
Written by Scott Burgess
Miami (FL)
Football
Read more at PrepHoops​.com
Prep Hoops

Gavin Mueller

State: Illinois
School: South Elgin
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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