Illinois Football Recruits Share Reactions to Week 7 Win Over Purdue

Illini recruits offered approval following Illinois' 50-49 overtime victory over the Boilermakers

Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini dance team performs in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

It's probably bad form to admit that Illinois' win over Purdue last Saturday in Champaign is still giving you stress dreams – if you're an Illini recruit, that is. A host of them made visits around the game, which figured to be a languid, confident display of the home team's potentcy in a comfortable win.

That didn't quite happen. The Illini showed off their offensive prowess, with quarterback Luke Altmyer and running back Josh McCray racking up multiple touchdowns each. The defense even shined in the first half, after which Illinois led 24-3.

From then on, however, the afternoon devolved into a back-and-forth battle with intense enough drama to traumatize the average Illini fan, let alone a player weighing his future in coach Bret Bielema's program.

Lucky for the Illini, they got the win in the end – and a handful of recruits in attendance seemed (at least publicly) unfazed by the close call:

Had a great time in Champaign today visiting @IlliniFootball. The game, the W and the atmosphere was great. Look forward to visiting again soon. Thank you @coachjstepp and @DreBrownILL for the hospitality #Illini @CaravanFootball @Jordanlynch06 pic.twitter.com/mx35KAuViN

— Quentin Burrell ‘27 (@quentinburrell7) October 13, 2024

My time @IlliniFootball was amazing! Loved the vibe and great OT win!! Thanks @CoachCParker for spending time with me. Appreciate it! @DreBrownILL @CoachJamison @AllenTrieu @SWiltfong_ @IndianaPreps @K_Rich30 @JWerner247 #Illini 🟠 pic.twitter.com/adUdP2bId3

— Carsen Eloms (@CarsenEloms) October 13, 2024

Had an amazing time hanging out with @IlliniFootball yesterday. Thank you @CoachCParker, Coach @DreBrownILL and the Illini staff for making me feel like #famILLy. Great atmosphere, great people and great OT Win. Thanks for having me!@CM201UAthletics @Bryan_Ault… pic.twitter.com/jJY9PrQux4

— Jayden Marshall (@marshalljayden3) October 13, 2024

Kedric Prince, a recruiting analyst for Illiniguys.com and the host of the podcast "Ked's Recruiting Roundup," also reported that Cam Thomas, a four-star linebacker, confirmed his interest in Illinois.

#Illini Football Recruiting News -

Cam Thomas, Linebacker, Class of 2026 – West Chester, OH

Kedric: Cam, many people think you’re a lock for either Michigan or Ohio State.

Cam: Well, you can tell them that if I wasn’t interested in Illinois, I wouldn’t be here. I’m definitely… pic.twitter.com/U3qxte0zP1

— Kedric Prince (@KedPrince4) October 12, 2024

With a little more luck on Illinois' side, future game-day recruiting visits will reveal an even more impressive on-field product and, ideally, slightly less drama.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Football vs. Michigan: Week 8 Odds, Ends and Prediction

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer Earns National Honors for Week 7 Performance

Illinois Football Coach Bret Bielema Named to Coach of the Year Watch List