Illinois Men's Gymnastics Adds Two to 2026 Signing Class

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois men's gymnastics announced on Wednesday Dwayne Johnson Jr. and Zac Myers as part of the Fighting Illini's 2026 signing class. These two gymnasts will join the Illini in the fall of 2026.

DWAYNE JOHNSON JR. | NEW ORLEANS, LA. | ALL STAR GYMNASTICS

Two-time LHSAA state champion Dwayne Johnson Jr. joins the Orange and Blue. The gymnast will pursue a degree in strategy, innovation, & entrepreneurship. 

Johnson chose Illinois because "when I visited, they really focused on helping me understand my own mental strength and how to use it, not just in sports, but in life. That meant a lot to me." 

"Dwayne is going to fill a huge hole for us on still rings, as well as a few other events," said head coach Daniel Ribeiro. "Dwayne has unique strength development and incredible power that will lead to great things on floor, rings, and vault."

ZAC MYERS | ODESSA, FLA. | TOP CONTENDERS GYMNASTICS

Odessa, Fla., native Zac Myers signed with the Illini on Wednesday. The all-arounder is set to study business when he arrives in Champaign next fall.

"The team culture is amazing, and Illinois has an amazing business school," Myers said when asked why he joined Illinois. 

Ribeiro describes Myers as "a seasoned all-arounder with clean lines and big gymnastics. He is quick and dynamic, which will lead to tremendous development over the next few years."