16Tanner Heckel
CB · JR
3-JR
Current depth chart
RCB3Third3-JR
Depth relationships
Bio
Tanner Heckel is a right cornerback from Lyndon, Kansas, standing 5'11" and weighing 195 pounds. A three-star recruit in the 2024 class, Heckel joined Illinois as a true freshman in 2024, appearing in all 13 games primarily on special teams. In 2025, his sophomore season, he recorded 37 total tackles including 26 solo stops, 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble across all 13 games with nine starts. Heckel earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and is entering his junior year with the Fighting Illini. From Lyndon · Lyndon, KS.
Tanner Heckel appeared in 13 of 13 games in 2025.
Player information
ClassJuniorHeight5'11"Weight195 lbHometownLyndon, KSHigh schoolLyndonRecruiting3 · No. 1576 national · 2024 classConferenceBig Ten
Production · 2025
Defense
36
TACKLES
3
TFL
1.5
SACKS
1
INT
2
PBU
1
QB HUR
Career path
LYNDONLyndon, KS
ILLINOIS2024 — present