Zakhari Franklin News, Rumors, Updates - Illinois Fighting Illini

Scores in overtime thriller Franklin compiled four receptions (on eight targets) for 60 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 50-49 overtime win over Purdue.

Impact Franklin found the end zone on an eight-yard pass from quarterback Luke Altmyer in the second quarter to give the Fighting Illini a 17-3 lead over the Boilermakers. The senior receiver has had a fairly consistent role within the Illinois offense as of late, finishing with between 40 and 70 yards in each of the team's last four games, though his score today, his first of the season, is encouraging to see. Franklin's next opportunity will come against a tough Michigan defense this coming Saturday.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Luke Altmyer finds Zakhari Franklin for an eight-yard TD to extend Illinois' lead to 17-3 vs. Purdue

2 DAYS AGO • FOX SPORTS

Returns to action Friday Franklin (undisclosed) returned to Friday's game against Nebraska, Jeremy Werner of 247Sports.com reports.

Impact The wideout missed most of Friday's game due to an injury, and the upcoming days will be key to determine whether he suffered a severe injury or not. Prior to his return to the game, Franklin had recorded five receptions for 50 yards.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Goes to medical tent Franklin went to the medical tent for Illinois' game Friday at Nebraska, Joey Wagner of 247Sports reports.

Impact Franklin going to the game's medical tent indicates a possibility he may not play for Illinois again Friday. He has five receptions for 50 yards.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Moderate showing in victory Franklin had five receptions (on eight targets) for 66 yards during Saturday's 30-9 win versus Central Michigan.

Impact Franklin's yardage and reception totals were each good for second on the team during Saturday's win over the Chippewas. The senior receiver has now recorded back-to-back games with five or more receptions and over 60 yards, indicating that his role within the Illinois offense can produce a semi-reliable floor, though his lack of touchdowns to start the season is reason for concern. Franklin will look to find the end zone against Nebraska in the Fighting Illini's conference opener on Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Addition Of Illini WR Zakhari Franklin Gives Offense Another Dimension The Illinois Fighting Illini figured to enter the season with Pat Bryant as the lead receiver. Turns out, they have a 1A and 1B. The additio...

SEPTEMBER 15 • SI.COM

Productive day in victory Franklin hauled in 9 of 10 targets for 99 yards during Saturday's 23-17 win over Kansas.

Impact After a quiet opener against Eastern Illinois, Franklin led the team in both receptions and yards against the Jayhawks. The senior Ole Miss transfer came to Champaign looking for a larger role and Saturday is certainly a step in the right direction. Franklin will look to keep his positive momentum going when the Fighting Illini host Central Michigan on Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Familiarity could help Zakhari Franklin shine for Illini Second time's the charm for Illinois in adding talented wide receiver

JUNE 18 • NEWS-GAZETTE.COM

Enters transfer portal Franklin entered the transfer portal Monday, Pete Nakos of On3.com reports.

Impact Since he was not part of Mississippi's 2024 spring roster despite still having eligibility as a top receiver, it made sense that Franklin entered the transfer portal. Even though his 2023 season was marred by injury, his previous success is expected to be enough to garner significant interest.

APRIL 29 • ROTOWIRE

Ole Miss WR Zakhari Franklin 'Chose Not To Play' vs. Georgia Lane Kiffin was vague when speaking on the status of wide receiver Zakhari Franklin, who was absent vs. the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • SUNHERALD.COM

Status with team uncertain Head coach Lane Kiffin indicated Monday that Franklin's future with the program is uncertain, Tyler Komis of 247Sports.com reports.

Impact Komis also reports Franklin is no longer with the program despite being listed on the roster. Kiffin also mentioned that the senior wide receiver made the trip with the team last week but ultimately decided himself to not play. He totaled four receptions on eight targets for 37 yards and one touchdown across four games.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Participates in six snaps Franklin (undisclosed) participated in six snaps during Mississippi's game Saturday against Texas A&M.

Impact Franklin will go into mid-November an available but unpromising option. In contrast to his 2022 season, injuries have limited his 2023 to just four receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown. Franklin will have three weeks' worth of games to turn his season around. While matching 2022 will be an impossible task, he can at least end his 2023 on a positive note.

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

DNP against Vanderbilt Franklin (undisclosed) did not play during Mississippi's game Saturday against Vanderbilt.

Impact Franklin was a surprise absence during Mississippi's last game of October. Having played three matchups across 2023, he can play one more and still redshirt what has been a relatively down year for the wideout so far. However, redshirting is still far from a guarantee, and so his availability status will be questionable for the Rebels' upcoming game Nov. 4 against Texas A&M.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Finds pay dirt Saturday Franklin (undisclosed) logged two receptions (on three targets) for 15 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 28-21 win against Auburn.

Impact Franklin found the end zone in Week 8 for the first time in the season, and he can build off this performance to experience a bigger role going forward. His next chance to play will come against Vanderbilt on Oct. 28.

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lane Kiffin Provides Update On Rebels WR Zakhari Franklin Zakhari Franklin’s status for Week 1’s matchup against Mercer remains a mystery.

AUGUST 29, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Ole Miss WR Zakhari Franklin Among Top 10 Receivers Entering 2024 NFL Draft A productive 2023 season with the Rebels could make Zakhari Franklin the next Ole Miss receiver drafted in the NFL.

JULY 14, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Ole Miss WR Zakhari Franklin 'Might Have 1,400 Yards' In 2023 Ole Miss Rebels transfer wide receiver Zakhari Franklin set UTSA Roadrunners program records with 262 career receptions, 3,348 yards and 37...

JULY 11, 2023 • KANSASCITY.COM

Ole Miss WR Zakhari Franklin Among Top 5 Most Impactful 2023 Transfers Making Jump to Power 5 After a historic career with the UTSA Roadrunners, Ole Miss Rebels receiver Zakhari Franklin is bringing his talents to the Power 5.

JUNE 19, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Is WR Zakhari Franklin Rebels Top Transfer Addition? The latest offensive addition in Oxford could be the top prospect to watch for in 2023.

JUNE 12, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Is WR Zakhari Franklin Rebels Top Transfer Addition? The latest offensive addition in Oxford could be the top prospect to watch for in 2023.

JUNE 12, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

By Adding Zakhari Franklin, Rebels Keep SEC Contention Hopes Alive With Zakhari Franklin joining the mix, Ole Miss finds itself at the forefront of “dark horse” conversations.

JUNE 5, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Ole Miss lands UTSA transfer WR Zakhari Franklin Franklin has one season of eligibility remaining.

JUNE 4, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Transfer Portal Wide Receiver Zakhari Franklin Commits to Ole Miss After speculation of him being a “silent commit” to the Rebels, Franklin broke the silence on Saturday.

JUNE 3, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Ole Miss football, Lane Kiffin lands key transfer addition in UTSA receiver Zakhari Franklin Ole Miss football bolstered its wide receiver room on Saturday with the addition of Zakhari Franklin.

JUNE 3, 2023 • CLARIONLEDGER.COM

Is Ole Miss Transfer Target WR Zakhari Franklin A 'Silent' Rebels Commit? In four seasons at UTSA, former Roadrunners wide receiver and Ole Miss Rebels transfer target Zakhari Franklin caught 262 passes for 3,348 y...

MAY 31, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

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Luke Altmyer finds Zakhari Franklin for an eight-yard TD to extend Illinois' lead to 17-3 vs. Purdue