Alabama Continues to Outduel Illinois Football Off the Field

The Illini lost out on Owen Cabell, an athletic receiver with excellent size, to the Crimson Tide on Monday

Sep 28, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema stands on the field during a warmup prior to a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

The Illinois football program on Monday was spurned by a recruit who instead picked Alabama. If you’re reading this and experiencing a weird feeling of deja vu, you’re not alone.

In the span of seven days, between June 23-30, the Illini lost a morale-deflating three recruits to the Tide – including running back Javari Barnett, who was flipped after initially committing to Illinois.

A few days later, it was tight end Mack Sutter – the top-ranked prospect in the state of Illinois – and, in the latest blow, wide receiver Owen Cabell (class of 2026) chose Bama over Bret Bielema and the Illini.

A 6-foot-3, 205 pound speedster, Cabell announced his commitment to Alabama on Monday, picking the Tide over both Illinois and Vanderbilt. The Nashville, Tennessee, native is rated as a three-star recruit on 247 Sports but possesses top-notch physical tools that point to a sky-high ceiling.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 WR Owen Cabell has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @rivalsrecruits

The 6’3 205 WR from Nashville, TN chose the Crimson Tide over Illinois and Vanderbilt

“All Glory to GOD!! Roll Tide!!”https://t.co/rtdGXZfLXY pic.twitter.com/YlC3i3vOny

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 30, 2025

Not only is he a big-bodied receiver, but Cabell is also a track star, with an official 100-meter time of 10.76 and a 200-meter time of 22.43. A constant big-play threat, with the potential to develop into an all-around star, Cabell would have been an excellent, field-stretching addition for the Illini.

Although it may be frustrating for Illini fans to see Bielema and his crew lose out on yet another prospect to Kalen DeBoer and Co., one encouraging sign shouldn't be overlooked: Illinois is battling with Alabama for recruits.

The days of celebrating recruits picking Illinois over Toledo – sorry about the stray, Toledo – appear to be over. The next step for the Illini is to now close the deal – not just compete on the recruiting trail, but dominate.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Four-Star Athlete Jacob Eberhart Includes Illinois Among Top Five Finalists

Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Raises Concerns Over Player Tampering

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