Football Recruiting Spotlight on James Finley

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

April 8, 2026

The move had been rumored for a while, but the timing of Northern Illinois' safety James Finley to Illinois was a surprise to most Illini fans. Finley did not initially enter the transfer portal, but after NIU head coach Thomas Hammock left the school to take a job with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, Finley took advantage of his late opportunity and moved downstate to Champaign. Illinois was Finley's only visit and it turned into a quick commitment. The slender 6'1, 185 pounder played both corner and safety for . . .

 

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