Nelsyn Wheeler
Nelsyn Wheeler is a three-star recruit from Grand Island, NE, out of Millard South (No. 1,438 in the 2026 class) who has not played in Illinois's 8 games this season.
Where Wheeler comes from
- Grand Island, NE
- Millard South
- Millard South is about 400 miles from Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
- Three-star, No. 1,438 in the 2026 class.
Where Wheeler fits
Illinois lists 9 running backs this season.
Illinois running backs with a game this season
Illinois is 5-3. Next: vs Nebraska, Fri Nov 6.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Millard South
Also from Grand Island, NE
In the game threads
vs UAB, Sep 3I've seen many a flipped 18 wheeler thereUAB fan, r/CFB game threadWhere 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 running back for Illinois -- now projected as a quality contributor in the backfield.
No college stat recorded yet. Here's what we know.
Illinois has produced 4 All-Conference running backs. 1 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2023. Chase Brown went on to the NFL out of this room (2023).
Joined Illinois in 2026
- 2026 Illinois BielemaYear 1 · Games –
- High school Millard SouthOmaha, NE · Class of 2026Three-star, No. 1,438 in the 2026 class. Signed with Illinois.Also from Millard South: Jett Thomalla (Alabama), Chase Loftin (Florida State), Amarion Jackson (Penn State) and 6 more.
2026
- Signed with IllinoisThree-star, out of Millard South