Chambana Sun

Illinois men's gymnastics has announced the addition of two athletes to its 2026 signing class. Dwayne Johnson Jr., from New Orleans, Louisiana, and Zac Myers, from Odessa, Florida, will join the team in the fall of 2026.

Johnson is a two-time LHSAA state champion and comes from All Star Gymnastics. He plans to pursue a degree in strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship at Illinois. Johnson said he chose Illinois because "when I visited, they really focused on helping me understand my own mental strength and how to use it, not just in sports, but in life. That meant a lot to me."

Head coach Daniel Ribeiro commented on Johnson's potential contributions: "Dwayne is going to fill a huge hole for us on still rings, as well as a few other events. Dwayne has unique strength development and incredible power that will lead to great things on floor, rings, and vault."

Myers comes from Top Contenders Gymnastics and intends to study business at Illinois. When asked about his decision to join Illinois, Myers said: "The team culture is amazing, and Illinois has an amazing business school."

Ribeiro also spoke about Myers's abilities: "a seasoned all-arounder with clean lines and big gymnastics. He is quick and dynamic, which will lead to tremendous development over the next few years."