Illinois Adds Zakhari Franklin, NCAA’s Active Leader in Receiving, to Summer Transfer Class

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Wide receiver Zakhari Franklin has joined the Illinois football program, head coach Bret Bielema announced Sunday. Franklin is college football's active career leader in receptions (266), receiving yards (3,386), and receiving touchdowns (38). 

Franklin was a four-year starter at UTSA and left the program as the single-season and career record holder for receptions, receiving yards, receiving yards per game, 100-yard games, and receiving touchdowns. Franklin's 38 receiving touchdowns rank 21st all-time in FBS history and are 12 more than any other active player. He will join the Illini with more career receptions and career receiving touchdowns than any player that has ever worn an Illinois uniform.

"Zakhari is a dynamic wide receiver that will instantly impact our offense," said head coach Bret Bielema. "We are excited to reunite Zakhari and Barry Lunney after they had two highly productive seasons together in the past."

Lunney and Franklin were together at UTSA from 2020-21, when Lunney served as the Roadrunners' offensive coordinator. Franklin had 130 receptions for 1,721 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns in 23 games over the two seasons with Lunney. 

"Zakhari is an accomplished football player with a lot ahead of him," said Lunney. "He will be a great addition to our offense and wide receivers room."

Franklin is one of two four-star transfers to join the Illini following spring practices, along with cornerback Terrance Brooks (Texas). Illinois' three four-star transfers this offseason, which includes offensive lineman J.C. Davis (New Mexico), is tied for the sixth-most among the 18-team Big Ten. 

Illinois' Summer Transfers

2024 Illinois Football Schedule