Two-Sport Star Stewart Commits to Illinois

Just two days ago, we wrote an article about the top remaining prospects in the high school Class of 2026 and how they were quickly flying off the board. Well, another great prospect is off the board. 

Tonight, the number five overall prospect in the Class of 2026, Aaron Stewart (Warren Township, IL) is staying in his home state and wrestling for the University of Illinois. Stewart is currently ranked sixth in the nation at 175 lbs. 

Stewart is also a star on the gridiron and has committed to play both sports for the Fighting Illini. In 2024, he was named a first-team All-State running back in Illinois. Over the past two years, Stewart has amassed over 4,000 rushing yards and punched in 55 touchdowns. 

On the mat, Stewart was an Illinois 3A state champion at 157 lbs after finishing third at 152 lbs as a freshman. 

This year, during the high school regular season Stewart recently captured his second career title at the Cheesehead Invitational in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. He started the season with a sixth-place finish at the Walsh Ironman. 

Outside of Illinois, Stewart is a two-time double 16U champion in Fargo. During his sophomore season, he was an Ironman finalist. 

Stewart chose Illinois after taking visits to Iowa State, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Princeton. 

He’ll join #33 Wyatt Medlin in Illinois’ Class of 2026. Should he sign with Illinois, Stewart would be the first top-five recruit to ink with the Illini since Isaiah Martinez did so in 2013. 

At this point, it’s unclear how navigating both sports will work out for Stewart and the wrestling team - along with what weight he’ll project at. 

For Illinois’ recruits in the Class of 2025 and 2026, Click Here