Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics Adds Three to 2026 Signing Class

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois women's gymnastics rounded out its 2026 signing class with the additions of two transfers and an incoming freshman, head coach Josh Nilson announced.

Transfers Peyton Nock and Paige Thaxton and true freshman Logan Otteson all completed Big Ten Athletic Aid Agreements and will join the Orange and Blue ahead of the 2026-27 academic and athletic year.

"We're excited to officially complete our 2026 signing class with three outstanding athletes who bring talent, experience, and leadership to our program," Nilson said. "Peyton brings high-level depth across all four events along with incredible leadership and energy in the gym. Logan will make an immediate impact with her strength on vault, beam, and floor.

"We're also thrilled to welcome veteran transfer Paige Thaxton from Michigan, whose experience, competitive mindset, and commitment to team culture will elevate our program both on and off the competition floor. This group represents exactly what we want our program to be about."

PEYTON NOCK // ROSEMOUNT, MINN. // ROSEMOUNT H.S. // IOWA STATE TRANSFER

Spent her first collegiate season at Iowa State
Competed in four meets as a freshman
National qualifier from 2022-25
Competed as a level 10 gymnast across all four years of high school
2021 western qualifier
Older sister, Emmalise, was on the Illinois women's gymnastics team in 2025
Intends to major in criminal justice and plans on entering the Air National Guard following graduation
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois because it immediately felt like home. Between the competitive athletic environment, strong academics, and the culture surrounding the gymnastics program, I knew it was a place where I could push myself and continue to grow. Having my sister go through the program made the decision even more meaningful because I was able to see firsthand the relationships, support system, and experience Illinois offers its student-athletes."

LOGAN OTTESON // CUMMING, GA. // NORTH FORSYTH H.S.

2026 Forsyth County Gymnast of the Year
Georgia High School Gymnastics all-around champion
Competed at the club level for Infinity Gymnastics
2026 national qualifier, finishing fifth on vault and sixth on floor
Four-time level 10 regional qualifier
Also did diving in high school, winning the Forsyth County one-meter diving title in 2026
Intends to major in biology
Why Illinois: "Illinois has amazing academics and elite athletics, along with amazing coaches and team culture."

PAIGE THAXTON // WESTLAND, MICH. // JOHN GLENN H.S. // MICHIGAN TRANSFER

Spent the last four seasons at Michigan
Was part of Michigan's Big Ten championship-winning team in 2023
Competed primarily on floor and vault for the Wolverines
Holds career-highs of 9.875 on floor and 9.825 on vault
Three-time Academic All-Big Ten (2024-26) and three-time WCGA Scholastic All-American (2023-25)
Won 2021 uneven bars titles at the national and regional championships
Finished sixth on beam at nationals in 2021
Two-time Region 5 All-Star
Selected for Junior Olympic National Team in 2019
Competed at Junior Olympic Nationals three times
Intends to pursue a master's degree in business management
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois for the opportunity to better myself in every aspect of life, from pushing myself academically in one of the best business schools in the country to participating in their strong athletics. I also want to be part of a program that will help me develop into a better person and pave the way for future female athletes."

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