One of Minnesota’s top defensive targets for the 2026 recruiting class has revealed his top six schools. On Tuesday evening, Illinois safety Messiah Tilson narrowed his list of offers to Wisconsin, Iowa State, Kansas, Iowa, Rutgers, and Minnesota.
The Guildford (IL) standout is a consensus three-star prospect and ranks among the top-15 players in Illinois, according to both On3 and Rivals. Tilson has already completed three official visits— to Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin— and has two more scheduled: Minnesota on June 13 and Kansas on June 20.
In January, Tilson shared why Minnesota stood out to him, particularly praising the program’s development of safeties. “It means a lot, the program’s success at safety, because they have proof that they can develop me into a great safety and be one of those guys up next,” he told Gophers Nation.
Following a spring campus visit, Tilson reiterated his positive impression of the program. “It was great. Just reminded me of some things, but just a great program overall, especially in the safety room lately,” he said. He also mentioned that Minnesota remains high on his list, noting, “I can’t pass up an opportunity to get developed and play at the next level just like the guys they have in the NFL now.”
Minnesota’s 2026 recruiting class currently boasts 10 commitments and is ranked in the top 35 by both Rivals and On3.
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