A New Era for the Fighting Illini
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood announced the addition of Lincoln Williams to the Fighting Illini, sealing a Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreement that marks the latest high‑profile recruit for the program.
Williams, a 6‑foot‑5 guard standing 180 pounds, arrives after a stellar prep career at Kankakee High School where he set single‑game, single‑season and career scoring records. He capped his senior year by averaging 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, guiding the Kays to a school‑record 29 wins and an undefeated Southland Conference title, while reaching the IHSA Class 3A Sectional Finals.
The guard’s accolades include three‑time first‑team All‑State honors from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, Player of the Year recognitions from the Associated Press and the Chicago Sun‑Times, and the Class 3A Illinois Media Player of the Year. He finished his high school tenure as Kankakee’s all‑time leading scorer with 1,853 points, highlighted by a 44‑point outburst against Thornridge on Dec. 5 that established a new single‑game mark.
Underwood praised Williams’ scoring prowess and defensive potential, describing him as an outstanding in‑state talent capable of becoming an elite defender at the collegiate level. Williams joins five other members of the Class of 2026, underscoring the Illini’s aggressive recruiting push as they aim to return to national relevance.