Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois Eyes Southland Conference Star Tony Diaz to Bolster Passing Game

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

January 7, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy UTRGV Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The days of watching favorite college players stay in one place for four years are quickly fading. Roster movement has become the norm across the country, and Illinois is no exception.

Three years ago, Illinois coach Bret Bielema took pride in maintaining roster stability with minimal turnover. That landscape has shifted. Like programs nationwide, the Illini have seen players enter the transfer portal while others look to bring their talents to Champaign and compete at Gies Memorial Stadium next season.

Illinois has already . . .

 

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

591 - NBA Draft Talk Wagler, Andrej & Bam

Listen

5.8.26 - Illini Hoops, Golf, Tennis & Softball

Listen

590 Tom Michael Returns, Softball Coaching Change & What's Next for Illini Golf

Listen

5.1.26 - Ayo & TSJ Dump the Nuggets, Illini Hoops Recruiting Update & Mike Small

Listen

589 IlliniGuys Subscriber Mailbag Episode

Listen

588 Illini Football & Hoops Update with Ayo, Andrej & the NFL Draft

Listen

4.24.26 - Illini Hoops Update & Illini in the NFL Draft

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Divine & Family

Listen

4.17.26 - Impressive Illini Roster Building for Next Season

Listen

587 Mirk, Ivisic Twins & Davis Are Back

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Kate McDougall

Listen

586 - Portal Kombat - Vaaks Commits to Illini

Listen

4.10.26 - Final Four Reflections & Portal Kombat Tips Off

Listen

585 Breaking down UConn Game & Looking Forward to Portal Kombat

Listen

584 IlliniGuys with the Illini at the Final Four

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.