If Illinois’ 2024 season wasn’t satisfactory enough, it added to the excitement on Dec. 4 with 21 recruits signed to join the roster for the 2025-26 season. The program brought in a relatively even split between new offensive and defensive players.
Additional size and strength will join the Illini, as 15 recruits are over 6 feet tall, and 11 weigh more than 215 pounds. Next year, Illinois will have even more athleticism on both sides of the ball, which will be much needed since some vital athletes will depart from the team.
Supplementing the secondary
Head coach Bret Bielema honed in on the defensive back unit and brought five new freshmen to the backfield. RJ Jones III, Andre Lovett and Desmond Straughton are three of the five backs who are three-star recruits. They also got offers to play at other notable universities but elected Illinois because of the coaching staff, community and family dynamic in the program.
The other two defensive backs to join this squad have a little more familiarity with the Illini. Tywan Cox and Xanai Scott will play alongside their brothers, juniors Torrie Cox Jr. and Xavier Scott. The Cox’s and Scott’s came from Florida, and if the freshmen play like their siblings, there should be even more takeaways and pass breakups next season.
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Local linemen, more linebackers
Bielema added two defensive linemen to his roster with this 2025 signing class. From Indiana, the Illini got 6-foot-3, 300-pound Isaiah White, and from Chicago, they acquired 6-foot-3, 280-pound Cameron Brooks. Their efforts will be especially needed since guys like Dennis Briggs Jr. and TeRah Edwards are in their final years with Illinois.
Then, Illinois got four-star linebacker recruits Erik Gayle and Grant Beerman from Ohio, plus three-star Ismael Kante from Minnesota. Kante is the sole junior addition to this signing class and could add some solid experience to the team. Illinois’ edge rushers have played an impactful role this season, and adding this type of talent should only bolster its success on defense next year.
All-around skill on offense
Eleven new offensive athletes will experience Memorial Stadium under the guidance of Bielema and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. Two of these players are quarterbacks, and one of them is the brother of Illini star Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton. Jershaun Newton is a four-star recruit who’s got football that runs in his blood. Also, Illinois acquired quarterback Carson Boyd from St. Louis, who can learn a thing or two from junior quarterback Luke Altmyer.
Protecting the quarterback room will be offensive linemen Dylan Frechette, JJ Hirdes, Michael McDonough and Griffin Rousseau. These newbies will add the height and weight the Illini need to block hard and create room for their teammates to run through.
Finally, Illinois brought in tight ends Logan Farrell and Grant Smith. It also signed running backs John Forster and Cedric Wyche II and wide receiver Brayden Trimble. Star senior wide receivers Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin will part ways with the Illini, leaving room for the new guys to fill their shoes. However, it will certainly be interesting to see how Bielema and Lunney utilize their running back assets, given the immense force they already have and the added talent they are bringing in.
Though many of the Illini will depart from the team, this recruiting class gives hope for the future. On top of that, Illinois already has freshmen, sophomores and juniors who have demonstrated their value on the field this season. The go-to guys might change from time to time, but Illinois should have another strong season ahead of it with this roster.
@tess_eken
