Five Illini Signees Who Could Start As True Freshmen

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has said for severa weeks that multiple high school signees could find themselves in the starting lineup for the 2026 season opener by September. Here’s a look a five possibilities.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 3, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — This 2026 recruiting class represents a brad new world for Illinois head coach Bret Bielema.

The fifth-year head coach, who just wrapped up his first consensus Top 25 ranked signing class on Wednesday, has consistently said for the last two weeks that he believes this recruiting haul could have multiple true . . .

 

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