Illinois Hosts Four-Star Center Jack Thelen
The 7-foot-1 Minnesota recruit is set to take an official visit to Champaign after receiving an offer from UConn.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball
Illinois basketball is hosting four-star center Jack Thelen on an official visit this weekend in Champaign. Thelen, a 7-foot-1, 235-pound big man from Osseo, Minnesota, was offered by UConn following a visit last week.
Why it matters
Illinois needs frontcourt reinforcements after the departures of Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and David Mirkovic. Thelen's visit highlights the program's efforts to rebuild its big-man rotation for the coming seasons.
Thelen is ranked No. 111 in the class of 2027 by 247Sports composite rankings and stands 7-foot-1 and 235 pounds. Whether Illinois will extend an offer after this visit has not been reported.
The players
Jack Thelen
Jack Thelen is a four-star center from Maple Grove High School ranked No. 111 in the class of 2027, and he is the top-ranked player in Minnesota.
Joe Tipton
Joe Tipton is a recruiting reporter for On3/Rivals who covers college basketball prospects and their commitments.
The details
Thelen played AAU basketball for Adidas D1 Minnesota and attends Maple Grove High School. Joe Tipton of On3/Rivals reported that Thelen is scheduled for an official visit to Champaign this weekend, ahead of Illinois's upcoming matchup at Texas Tech.
Timeline
Last week: Thelen visited UConn and received an offer.
This weekend: Thelen's scheduled official visit to Champaign.
Recruiting Landscape
Thelen's No. 111 ranking on the 247Sports composite places him within the national prospect pool that Illinois is pursuing to replace departing frontcourt players. His visit to Champaign follows UConn's offer, reflecting how high-major programs compete for the same big men in the class of 2027.
If Illinois extends an offer to Thelen, he would join a frontcourt being rebuilt after three departures. Fantasy and roster watchers should track whether Illinois follows UConn's lead with an offer.
The takeaway
Thelen's visit shows Illinois is actively working to restock its big-man rotation, and the outcome of this weekend's visit will signal how competitive the Illini are for top frontcourt prospects.
What happens next
Thelen's official visit to Champaign is scheduled for this weekend, and Illinois's next game is at Texas Tech.
Further reading
Explore more Illinois basketball coverage for context on the Illini's roster and recruiting picture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
