#22
RJ Jones III
Returning to Illinois for 2026
Fr. · Fort Pierce, Fla. → Vero Beach
via fightingillini.com ↗This season's coverage starts August 26 — check back once kickoff hits.
RJ Jones III
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
★★★
CFB
College
—
NFL
NFL Draft
—
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Defensive back · Illinois
Returning around him
- 52% of 2024 offensive production back (Solid continuity)
- 3 Illinois players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -8 net (19 in / 27 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Illinois · Last season: 9-4 (AP #23) · Talent rank #64 · 2026 recruiting class #24
Heisman trajectory
Heisman Trajectory · 2025
Peak #11829
Peaked at #11829 this season.
Background
2025 Freshman Played in two games, primarily on special teams, and redshirted High School Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals Position ranks: #69 (On3), #102 (247Sports), #134 (ESPN) State of Florida ranks: #66 (On3), #145 (247Sports), #167 (ESPN) Played for head coach Lenny Ja...