Illinois football is working to jump-start its offense this season with former star QB Luke Altmyer in the NFL and a new group of wide receivers looking to make their mark in the Big Ten along with new starting QB Katin Houser.
The Fighting Illini dipped into the transfer portal this offseason for Jayshon Platt, formerly of Florida Atlantic, to complement Hudson Clement and Collin Dixon at the wide receiver position.
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The Class of 2027 looks like it will bring another infusion of wide receiver talent, and top-rated prospect Bennett Konkey is a headliner among coach Bret Bielema‘s class.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema disputes a call in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl against Tennessee in an NCAA football game on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Konkey’s Geneva (Ill.) Vikings rolled to a 28-14 win over the Libertyville Wildcats on Friday night and Class of 2027 receiver/kick returner Bennett Konkey was a big part of it.
Konkey, who is rated as the No. 12 player in the state of Illinois for the high school football class of 2027 according to 247Sports.com, put on a show in the first quarter, racking up three touchdowns to lead his team to a big early lead.
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One came on the opening kickoff, which he took 100 yards to paydirt, making the smart decision to switch the ball from his right to left hand.
Another came off of a flare pass to the sidelines when he used his speed to outrun Libertyville defenders.
By the time the dust had settled, Konkey had the kickoff return, a 70-yard touchdown catch and a 49-yard touchdown catch to his name, all coming within the first eight minutes of the game.
Konkey finished with 280 all-purpose yards after showing off the speed that made him a state champion in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints this season.
Konkey became sick before the game but overcame nerves, and butterflies in his stomach, to perform at an exceptionally high level in his first outing of the season.
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“I just saw the hole, I knew I had to hit it,” Konkey said.
“The nerves before the game, I was throwing up and stuff, never throw up before games. Senior year, I gotta be a little bit nervous.
“That’s what happens. I just told my teammates, block for me, and I’ll do the rest. That’s what I did,” Konkey added according to the Chicago Tribune.
At 6-foot-1, 189 pounds, Konkey stands out among his teammates and competitors as someone who appears ready to perform at the Division-I college level physically.
He has the drive, the competitive instincts, the speed and the willpower to contribute early in his Illinois football career, which partially explains why Bielema and the Illini offered him a scholarship.
Don’t be surprised if Konkey ascends further up the rankings this season as the high school football season is just getting started.
