Illinois football has added to its 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of Desmond Straughton, a three-star defensive back at Roseville High School in Michigan. He announced his commitment via X last week after an official visit to the University.
Straughton, standing at 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, is ranked by 247Sports as the 13th-best recruit in Michigan, the 51st-best DB in his class and the 678th overall recruit in the nation.
He received offers from several Power Five programs, including Michigan State, Purdue, Minnesota, Arizona State and West Virginia.
In his announcement, Straughton expressed gratitude.
“First off, I want to thank God for giving me the amazing opportunity to be able to play ball at the college level,” Straughton wrote. “I also want to thank my mom for laying such an amazing foundation for me… And to my Dad, thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be my best.”
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Straughton also expressed appreciation towards other programs for their interest and opportunities offered during his recruitment, and voiced his excitement to join the Illini.
“This whole process has been incredible, and I’m really grateful for all the interest and opportunities you offered me,” Straughton wrote. “With all that said, I’m super excited to announce my commitment to the University of Illinois and join the Fighting Illini family!”
Straughton’s addition brings Illinois’ 2025 recruiting class to 12 members. According to 247Sports composite rankings, Illinois’ 2025 class is ranked second to last among Big Ten schools, only ranked higher than Purdue. The class is ranked as the 63rd best recruiting class overall.
