Football Recruiting Spotlight on Benjamin Thurman

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

May 22, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy player's X page)

Even as Illinois gets going on the upcoming Class of 2027, more Class of 2026 players are committing to the program. The newest one is tight end of Benjamin Thurman from College of San Mateo. Thurman is an athletic but undersized tight end who played only one year at San Mateo, totaling only 16 catches for 322 yards. However, when you consider that Thurman had six touchdowns in those limited touches and also played defense, he gets a lot more interesting as a prospect . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Illinois Basketball Top 5 Hype, Big Ten Schedule & Illini Women’s Rise | IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular 7.17.26

Listen

Illini Football Depth Chart Talk #600

Listen

Wagler Debut, Illini Hoops Update & Bielema on Dodd Watch List

Listen

599 - Illini Basketball & Football Expectation Setting

Listen

7.3.26 Illini Becoming NBA Guard U, Who's "Replacing" Keaton & Illini Football Update

Listen

598 Illini Basketball Update – Summer Ball & Recruiting

Listen

6.26.26 Illini Stand Tall in NBA, State of Illini Athletics & Hoops and Football Updates

Listen

Wagler #5 in NBA Draft & Ayo Signs Biggest Illini NBA Contract Ever

Listen

6.19.26 Illini Basketball & Football Recruiting Updates

Listen

596 Illini Basketball & Football Recruiting Updates, NBA Finals & More

Listen

6.12.26 - Illini Basketball & Football Updates with NBA Finals & World Cup Talk

Listen

6.6.26 - How Good Is Illini Commit Quentin Coleman & Why Illini Ranked #1

Listen

595 Why Illinois is #1 with the Athletic's CJ Moore

Listen

5.29.26 - Illini Hoops Roster Update - He's Back ... Again!

Listen

594 Talking Illini 4-Star Hoops Commit Quinton Kitt

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.