Tony Balanganayi
Freshman defensive lineman on Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′4″ · 285 lb · Palatine, IL · Palatine
Recruiting
DL recruit
No. 704 nationally · Signed with Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
1 defensive lineman on Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Illinois in 2026.
Tony Balanganayi
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of Palatine
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 defensive lineman for Illinois.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
Illinois has produced 4 All-Conference defensive linemen and 1 All-Americans. 3 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2016. Johnny Newton was one of them, an All-American.
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Defensive line · Illinois
Returning around him
- 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 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals Position ranks: #54 (247), #66 (Rivals), #108 (ESPN) State ranks: #14 (247), #18 (Rivals), #34 (ESPN) Played for head coach Corey Olson at Palatine 2025 All-Mid-Suburban League selection Also a two-time all conference selection in baske...
The defensive line · Illinois
- #96Darrell Prater4 tackles for loss · 2025
- #17Isaiah Thomison3 tackles for loss · 2025
- #43Joe Barna2 tackles for loss · 2025
- #52Pat Farrell2 tackles for loss · 2025
- #55Tony Balanganayino box-score line yet
12 more on the roster · Illinois team page