By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst
May 9, 2026
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois football program faced a notable recruiting setback, but its response was immediate and decisive. After losing one of the most decorated quarterback prospects of the Bret Bielema era, Kamden Lopati, who flipped his commitment to Michigan, the Illini coaching staff quickly shifted focus, reinforcing a “next man up” approach as they continue shaping the future of the program.
Illinois has already moved forward, extending an offer to 2027 quarterback Dane Weber, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound signal caller from Chaparral High School in Temecula, California . . .
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