Report: Illinois lands commitment from prospect Zavier Zens

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Head Coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches his team play against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tanner Pearson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Zavier Zens, a three-star high school prospect from Wisconsin, has committed to Illinois, per his X account.

Zens is ranked as the 237th-best player in the class of 2026 according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Despite being named Mr. Basketball in the state of Wisconsin, Zens is rated as just the third-best player in the state.

A cousin of NBA rookie Kon Knueppel, Zens won three straight state championships at Wisconsin Lutheran to close his high school career. He averaged 23.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game during his senior season.

Zens will join fellow prep prospects Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Ethan Brown, Landon Davis, and transfer Stefan Vaaks in Illinois’ elite 2026 recruiting class.

Illinois was able to target Zens after he decommitted from Northern Iowa following head coach Ben Jacobsen’s move to Utah State. Brad Underwood and the Illini staff brought the former Panther commit in for an official visit last weekend. Zens chose Illinois over Utah State and Wisconsin.