Five-Star Center Naomi Benson Commits to Illinois

The University of Illinois basketball program secured a major win on the recruiting trail with the commitment of 2025 four-star center Naomi Benson. The 6-foot-3 standout, ranked among the top centers in her class, announced her decision on Monday, choosing the Fighting Illini over offers from several powerhouse programs, including Stanford, Tennessee, and Michigan.

“Illinois felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus,” Benson said in her announcement. “The coaching staff’s vision for my development, both on and off the court, really resonated with me. I can’t wait to represent this program and bring my best to Champaign.”

Benson, a dominant presence in the post, is known for her rebounding, shot-blocking, and soft touch around the rim. Her commitment gives Illinois coach Shauna Green another cornerstone piece in the team’s rising recruiting class as the program aims to establish itself as a contender in the Big Ten and nationally.

Benson joins a 2025 class that already includes four-star guard Jenna Carter, further strengthening Illinois’ future roster. With Benson anchoring the paint, the Illini are poised to compete at the highest level in the coming seasons.

Illinois fans and analysts alike are celebrating this commitment as a turning point for the program’s recruiting success. Benson is expected to make an immediate impact upon her arrival in the 2025-26 season.