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Illinois Football Recruiting Buzz: Bye Week Becomes Big Recruiting Opportunity

Although the Illini have a bye, the coaching staff will have its hands full on the recruiting trail and building for the future
Pranav Hegde|
Oct 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema leads his team in the Illini Walk before an NCAA game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema leads his team in the Illini Walk before an NCAA game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting Illini

As Illinois football heads into its Week 8 bye, the focus of the program shifts from the field to the recruiting trail. After falling to top-ranked Ohio State in a hard-fought battle, the Illini enter the break at 5–2 – and with plenty still to play for down the stretch. But before returning to action, coach Bret Bielema and his staff will spend the week hitting the road, visiting high school programs and top prospects across the country.

With no game on tap this weekend, the spotlight turns fully to recruiting – where Illinois continues to build for the future. In this space, we’ll spotlight the next wave of Illini talent – from rising prep stars to priority targets earning in-person visits from the coaching staff. With the bye week serving as a prime window for evaluation and relationship-building, expect Illinois’ presence to be felt on high school sidelines nationwide.

Almirian Thomas: 2026 defensive back commit

Thomas continues to put together a dominant senior season, locking down his side of the field and leaving opposing quarterbacks with few options. He’s a true alpha at cornerback – physical, confident and relentless in coverage – and appears every bit to be the next standout defensive back to thrive in Champaign. Beyond his shutdown ability, Thomas has also impressed with his tackling, consistently coming downhill and making plays in open space.

Nasir Rankin: 2026 athlete commit

One of the most gifted athletes to commit to Illinois in recent years, Rankin is set to suit up for both the football and basketball programs in Champaign – an uncommon feat at the high-Division I level that speaks to his elite versatility. At Morgan Park, Rankin has been nothing short of dominant. Offensively, he’s a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver, turning short passes into highlight-reel gains with his speed and agility. Defensively, he has a similar impact, locking down opposing receivers and showcasing the instincts and physicality that make him a true two-way star.

Davon Grant: 2026 wide receiver commit

The Illini have assembled an impressive group of playmakers in their upcoming classes, and Davon Grant qualifies among them. The DeKalb (Illinois) standout recently became the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards – a testament to his consistency and big-play ability. Grant’s combination of speed, hands and route-running skills make him a perfect fit for Illinois’ offense, and there’s no doubt the coaching staff is eager to get him to Champaign.

Michael Clayton: 2026 quarterback commit

With Luke Altmyer nearing the end of his Illini career, the future of the quarterback position in Champaign is starting to take shape – and class of 2026 commit Michael Clayton is making a strong case to be that future. Clayton has been stellar for Edison High School in Florida, showing poise, accuracy and command well beyond his years. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Clayton possesses the ideal frame for a next-level quarterback, coupled with the arm strength to make every throw on the field. His combination of size and touch continues to stand out, giving Illinois fans plenty to be excited about in the coming years.

Kenyon Alston: 2026 wide receiver commit

Alston took a break from his high school season to visit Champaign for Illinois’ biggest game in years. And although the Illini came up short against top-ranked Ohio State, the trip was anything but a loss for the talented prospect. Alston got to experience the electric atmosphere from the student section and spend time with several future teammates, getting a true feel for what awaits him in Champaign. With the Illini’s highly touted 2026 class shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory, Alston looks like a key piece of a group poised to make serious noise at the next level.

Joey Quinn: 2026 edge target

Marlen Bright: 2026 offensive tackle target

As the college football season reaches its midpoint, several class of 2026 recruits remain undecided – including a pair of names that could be on Illinois’ radar. Joey Quinn, one of the top edge prospects in Illinois, recently de-committed from Vanderbilt, leaving his recruitment wide open and giving the Illini a chance to make a move. Meanwhile, Marlen Bright – a talented offensive tackle who previously visited Champaign before committing to Penn State – could be back in play after the departure of coach James Franklin. Expect Bielema and his staff to stay aggressive as they look to strengthen an already promising 2026 class.

Lukas Prock: 2028 quarterback target

Champaign has quickly become a must-visit destination for top recruits, and the list of visitors continues to grow each week. Next up is quarterback target Lukas Prock, who is set to make the trip for Illinois’ upcoming matchup against Maryland – a potential trap game for the Illini. Bielema and his staff are looking to get out in front early in Prock’s recruitment and make a strong impression as they continue building for the future.

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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