Three-star 2026 Nebraska running back Nelsyn Wheeler is eagerly anticipating his official visit to Illinois this June. The Omaha speedster will be accompanied by his high school teammate, Landen Von Seggern, who has already committed to Illinois. This visit is a significant one for Wheeler, who is beginning to attract considerable attention from college programs, including the Illini. The official visit will be an important step in his recruitment process as he explores his future in college football.
Illinois running backs coach Thad Ward has spoken highly of Wheeler’s potential in the Illini offense. Ward has drawn a comparison between Wheeler and former Illinois star Chase Brown, who was an All-American and a Doak Walker Award finalist in 2022. “Coach Ward sees me as a Chase Brown,” Wheeler said, emphasizing that Ward is particularly impressed by his speed and explosiveness. This comparison highlights the level of confidence Ward has in Wheeler’s abilities and the potential fit for him in Illinois’ offensive system.
Since returning to Illinois in 2023, Coach Ward has been focused on bolstering the Illini running back room with more breakaway speed. Wheeler, with his track background and impressive acceleration, fits that mold perfectly. His ability to make plays with speed and explosiveness makes him a valuable asset to any program looking to increase their offensive capabilities. Wheeler’s skill set aligns well with Ward’s vision of adding more dynamic playmakers to the Illini’s roster.
Wheeler’s athleticism is evident in his high school track achievements, including a 10.77-second 100-meter dash as a sophomore. This speed translates to the football field, where his quick acceleration and ability to break away from defenders stand out. On film, Wheeler consistently demonstrates his ability to outrun defenders, but he’s also capable of making defenders miss in tight spaces. His quick-cut ability without losing much vertical acceleration could make him especially dangerous on outside zone plays, a role that Brown excelled in during his time at Illinois.
At 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, Wheeler is a compact and powerful tailback, combining speed with strength. His versatility and skill set make him a well-rounded prospect, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. As Wheeler prepares for his official visit to Illinois, all eyes will be on how he fits into the future plans of the Illini and whether his dynamic abilities will be a key part of their offense in the coming years.
