Palisades Senior Lincoln Cook Becomes School's First Big Ten Football Commit

July 24, 2026 - 00:11

Palisades High School senior wide receiver Lincoln Cook has made his college decision official, becoming the first football player in school history to commit to a Big Ten program.

Cook, a standout pass-catcher for the Pirates, announced his commitment to the University of Illinois on Monday afternoon. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound receiver chose the Fighting Illini over several other offers, including programs from the ACC and Mountain West conferences.

"It felt like home the moment I stepped on campus," Cook said in a statement. "The coaching staff believed in me from day one, and I knew Illinois was where I wanted to be."

During his junior season, Cook hauled in 47 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning first-team all-league honors. His combination of size, speed, and reliable hands made him a matchup problem for opposing defenses throughout the season.

Palisades head coach Joe Ramirez praised Cook's work ethic and leadership.

"Lincoln put in the work when nobody was watching," Ramirez said. "He showed up early, stayed late, and always pushed his teammates to be better. This commitment is well-deserved."

Cook becomes the latest in a growing pipeline of Palisades athletes moving on to play at the Division I level. His decision marks a significant milestone for the program, which has steadily built a reputation for developing college-ready talent in recent years.

Cook plans to enroll at Illinois next summer and will join the Fighting Illini as a wide receiver. He intends to major in sports management.