When Mr. Kenenna Odeluga first arrived on campus in Urbana-Champaign, everything felt new and challenging. Living away from home, balancing practices, classes, and homework, and meeting new people was not easy at first. There were days when he felt tired and overwhelmed. However, he stayed focused and reminded himself why he chose Illinois.
Driving down Interstate 57, past long stretches of cornfields, Kenenna Odeluga ’21 never imagined how much his life would change. That drive led him to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he would grow into a strong student, athlete, and leader. For Mr. Odeluga, choosing Illinois was about more than just football. It was about staying close to his family and feeling supported. “It’s my home state,” he says. “I knew my family could come watch me play.”
When he first arrived in Champaign-Urbana, Mr. Odeluga was surprised. After seeing so many farms on the drive, he thought it might be boring. Instead, he found a fun college town with restraints, clubs, and school events. “Its like a mini city,” he says. It made him feel more excited to continue at the college because he looked forward to going out and exploring the town.
He also noticed how excited students are about sports, which makes game days even more special. Being near loved ones made college feel less scary and more comfortable. He also received a full athletic scholarship, which helped make his decision easier. As a player for the Fighting Illini football team, Mr. Odeluga quickly learned that college football is much harder than high school football.
“The biggest thing is the speed,” he explains. “Everything is faster.” Every player is much stronger and more skilled than the competition he faced while playing for the Caravan. There are no easy games, he also spent a lot of time watching film and studying other teams.
Playing in the Big ten was a major step up from high school football. Every week, Mr. Odeluga faced some of the best athletes in the country. Practices were intense,and expectations were high. Coaches pushed him to improve everyday.
Even though football is important to him, school always comes first. Mr. Odeluga is majoring in Finance at the Gies College of Business. There, he learned how to manage his time, work with others, and speak with confidence.
“My professors really cared about me,” he says. “They wanted me to succeed.”
Throughout his college career, Mr. Odeluga was supported by many people. Coaches, professors, and advisors all played important roles in his success. His teachers became like family, always encouraging one another in difficult moments. These lessons helped him both in sports and in life. Mr. Odeluga also wanted to give back to others, so he started a nonprofit called Afro-Tailgate, a.k.a. Afrotale, which hosts pregame get-togethers during the Illini football season.
“Through people that may not be fond of the tailgating experience,” he says, “we try to show that in a way that’s unique.” Mr. Odeluga helped create a welcoming space for students, alumni, and fans. These events brought people together to celebrate culture, friendship, and school spirit. Planning each gathering took his time and effort, but he enjoyed seeing people connect and feel included.
“We wanted to build community,” he says. Through this project, he learned that being a leader means helping others and making a difference.
While playing football at the top collegiate level, also during his time at Illinois Mr. Odeluga has garnered several awards related to academics and sportsmanship. In 2025, he was named Academic All-Big Ten, a Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award nominee, Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team Nominee, Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Nominee, and Wuerffel Trophy Watch List which is for an annual, preseason list of college football players recognized for their outstanding community service, leadership, and athletic achievement. During his junior year he received College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, Academic All-Big Ten, and the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Looking back, Mr. Odeluga’s biggest lesson is to always be himself. “Never be afraid to be who you are,” he says. He believes that kindness, honesty, and respect matter just as much as winning games.
“A good character goes a long way,” he adds. From high school athlete to college leader, Mr. Odeluga’s story shows what can happen when one works hard and stays true to themselves. From long drives through cornfields to packed stadiums, he never forgot where he came from. His journey reminds students that success is not just about talent, but about heart, effort, and believing who you are.
