Illinois Beats Iowa, Iowa State for 4-Star WR Konkey
Illinois football landed a major commitment from four-star wide receiver Bennett Konkey on Tuesday, beating out both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones. The Illini also flipped three-star running back Steven Alexis from Colorado, while continuing to build a recruiting pipeline directly into Iowa.
How Bennett Konkey chose Illinois over Iowa and Iowa State
Bennett Konkey's rise in the Class of 2027 has been nothing short of remarkable. The Geneva standout went from zero scholarship offers in mid-April to four-star status in just two months. Illinois was one of the first power-conference programs to offer the 6-foot-1, 180-pound wide receiver, and that early pursuit paid off.
Konkey chose the Illini from a final group that included Iowa, Iowa State, and Northwestern. The loss is a notable one for both in-state programs, as Konkey proved his elite speed and playmaking ability during his time at Geneva.
During his junior season, Konkey caught 41 passes for 739 yards and nine touchdowns for the 4-5 Vikings. This followed a sophomore campaign where he recorded 29 catches for 548 yards and six touchdowns. His athletic ability was further on display last month when he swept the Class 3A 100-meter and 200-meter dashes in Charleston, claiming Geneva's first ever state track titles.
Konkey credits parents and coaches for his success
In an era where family support is crucial to athletic development, Konkey made sure to highlight the role of his parents in his journey. The four-star receiver took to social media to announce his commitment and thank those who helped him along the way.