BJ Thurman
BJ Thurman is a three-star recruit from Berkeley, CA (No. 6 in the 2026 class) who has not played in Illinois's 8 games this season.
Where Thurman comes from
- Berkeley, CA
- Berkeley
- About 1,800 miles from Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
- Three-star junior college recruit in the 2026 class.
Where Thurman fits
Illinois lists 10 tight ends this season.
Illinois tight ends with a game this season
Illinois is 5-3. Next: vs Nebraska, Fri Nov 6.
Similar players
Also from Berkeley, CA
Where to follow
Splits
Home and road splits, scheme and staff
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Pass share
49.5%
243 pass / 248 run
Plays / game
61.4
8 games
Team sack rate
3.7%
271 dropbacks · PBP
Scheme: Balanced, slow tempo.
Awards
A three-star recruit at tight end for Illinois -- now projected as a quality contributor in the tight end room.
No college stat recorded yet. Here's what we know.
Quality starterThree-star HS recruit
1 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2024. Tip Reiman went on to the NFL out of this room (2024).
Joined Illinois in 2026
- 2026 Illinois BielemaYear 1 · Games –
- Junior college College of San MateoThree-star junior college recruit. Signed with Illinois.
- High school BerkeleyBerkeley, CA
Moves
- Signed with Illinois in the 2026 class, a 3-star recruit.
2026
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of College of San Mateo