Four-Star Linebacker Cam Thomas Commits to Illinois Football

A linebacker from West Chester Township, Ohio, Thomas becomes the Illini's eighth 2026 commitment

Jul 26, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during Big 10 football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Illinois football program and coach Bret Bielema on Thursday received a commitment from linebacker Cam Thomas, the program's eighth from the class of 2026.

Thomas, from West Chester Township, Ohio (Lakota West High School), chose Illinois over 28 schools – including Big Ten rivals Michigan and Indiana, to name a few.

A four-star recruit, according to 247 Sports, the 6-foot-2, 217-pound Thomas ranks as the No. 24 linebacker in the class and No. 14 overall in recruit-rich Ohio.

Thomas had a standout junior season in 2024, helping lead the Firebirds to a Greater Miami Conference co-championship and an 11-2 finish (8-1 in league play).

🍊COMMITTED🍊
Here to leave a #FightingIllini Legacy 🏡 #B1GFootball @IlliniFootball #FamILLY@LakotaWestFB 🔥🦅 pic.twitter.com/scJ5uPcMKR

— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) February 6, 2025

Thomas had 74 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to earn be named to the Southwest Ohio Division 1 All-Defense Team and First Team All-GMC Defense.

🚨JR SZN Highlights🚨

4🌟 LB
6’2
217
Bench 325
Squat 465

Junior Accomplishments:
-GMC Co-Champs 🏆

-1st Team All GMC Defense🏅

-Southwest Ohio D1 All Defense Team 🏅

-74 Tackles
-18 TFL
-3 FF
-2 FR
-1 INT
-7.5 Sacks

#1 OLB in Ohio 26’
3.5 GPA🎓@LakotaWestFB 🔥🦅 pic.twitter.com/zkLXTX2EyI

— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) November 20, 2024

Thomas will join linebacker Grant Beerman, a 2025 Illinois signee and former teammate at Lakota West, in Champaign.

#FamILLy https://t.co/QfNJzDo8fF pic.twitter.com/H8xgEXk9UG

— Grant Beerman (@GrantBeerman) February 6, 2025

After landing Thomas and elite prep cornerback Victor Singleton in under a week, Illinois' class of 2026 currently ranks among the nation's top 20.

Before arriving in Champaign, Thomas has some unfinished business. In addition to having a senior season left to play this fall, Thomas announced Feb. 3 on his X social media account that he had accepted an invite to play in next year's U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

"Dreams do come true," Thomas posted. "Following an amazing conversation with Tom Lemming & Joe Ray, I’m proud to announce my selection to the 2026 US Army All-American Bowl! [I am] ready to take the stage so many GREATS have taken before me! An incredible honor."

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Football Flips Former Air Force Commitment LB Jack Paris

Illinois Football Signs Elite Cornerback Recruit Victor Singleton

Illinois Wide Receiver Zakhari Franklin Declares for 2025 NFL Draft