Football Recruiting Spotlight on Carter Janki

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 12, 2026

Illinois' second addition in the transfer portal came at a great time for nervous Illinois fans, because as several Illinois defensive linemen were hitting the portal, Illinois added Penn U. defensive lineman Carter Janki. Janki was in Champaign for a visit as soon as the portal opened and he committed soon after, showing that the staff had identified him as a key piece to their plans for 2026. Janki is a 6'5, 290 pounder who will likely be a defensive end for the Illini next fall in his last year . . .

 

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