Four-Star LB Cam Thomas Names Top Six Schools, Includes Illinois

The class of 2026 linebacker narrowed his recruitment Wednesday, which included four Big Ten programs

Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema gets a hand from the crowd before the start of a game with the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

On Wednesday morning, class of 2026 four-star linebacker Cam Thomas revealed his top six schools, including the Illinois.

Thomas, listed at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds, hails from West Chester Township, Ohio, and attends Lakota West High School. Thomas, who has 26 Division I offers, has narrowed his list of possibilities to six schools: Illinois, Oregon, Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Blessed for these opportunities! I’m excited to announce my #Top6 college choices. @LakotaWestFB thank you for everything! Only question is WHERE’S HOME⁉️🏡@UMichFootball 〽️@oregonfootball 🦆 @IndianaFootball 🔴⚪️@IlliniFootball 🍊 @WVUfootball ⛰️ @UKFootball 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/e5sX7lMiDA

— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) November 27, 2024

According to 247 Sports, Thomas does not have a Crystal Ball projection but told recruiting insider Allen Trieu he will not make a decision until the timing is right. He intends to commit next summer.

"I've had great communication with all my top six," Thomas told Trieu. "I do plan on visiting a couple schools during bowl season to check out a practice and continue building that relationship. In the spring, I'll take as many official visits as I can to really see everything and everyone at once."

Illinois' 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked 46th by 247 Sports. Its lone commit to date is Michael Clayton, a three-star quarterback who pledged earlier this month.

Thomas took an unofficial game-day visit to Champaign in October, when he watched Illinois beat Purdue in overtime.

The Firebirds' varsity football season ended last weekend, when they lost in the Region 4 postseason to St. Xavier, 16-13. Lakota West finished its season 11-2.

Thomas had a stellar statistical year as a junior. He finished the season with 74 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception, earning a spot on the Southwest Ohio Division I All-Defense Team. He is currently projected as the state's top outside linebacker in his class.

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