Nelsyn Wheeler is a true freshman running back for the Illinois Fighting Illini, standing 5'9" and weighing 205 pounds. Hailing from Grand Island, Nebraska, Wheeler attended Millard South High School, where he was a three-star recruit ranked #43 by national outlets, #81 by Rivals, and #101 by recruiting services at his position. As a senior, he recorded 746 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 8.5 yards per carry, adding 119 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Wheeler also helped lead Millard South to the 2025 state title and competed in track, placing sixth in the Nebraska Class A state finals in both the 100m and 200m as a sophomore. He received offers from Cincinnati, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Wisconsin before joining Illinois.

Illinois2026 — present