Nelsyn Wheeler
Freshman running back on Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
5′9″ · 205 lb · Grand Island, NE · Millard South
Recruiting
RB recruit
No. 1438 nationally · Signed with Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
1 running back on Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Illinois in 2026.
Nelsyn Wheeler
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of Millard South
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at running back for Illinois -- now projected as a quality contributor in the backfield.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
Illinois has produced 2 All-Conference running backs. 2 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 1989. Chase Brown went on to the NFL out of this room (2023).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Running back · Illinois
Returning around him
- 21% of 2024 offensive production back (Heavy turnover)
- 3 Illinois players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -7 net (20 in / 27 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Illinois · Last season: 9-4 (AP #23) · Talent rank #51 · 2026 recruiting class #24
Background
High School Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals Position ranks: #43 (ESPN), #81 (Rivals), #101 (247) State ranks: #3 (ESPN), #15 (247), #15 (Rivals) Played for head coach Taylor Mendenhall at Millard South, alongside fellow signee Landon Von Seggern Led Millard South to a 2025 state...
The backfield · Illinois
- #5Ca'Lil Valentine614 rushing yards · 2025
- #21Aidan Laughery382 rushing yards · 2025
- #23Jordan Anderson41 rushing yards · 2025
- #27Corey Rashadno box-score line yet
- #25Nelsyn Wheelerno box-score line yet
4 more on the roster · Illinois team page