Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois Targets Fast-Rising 2027 LB Anthony James

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

February 28, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy player's X page)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – As recruiting for the class of 2027 begins to take shape across the country, the University of Illinois has turned its attention to Texas linebacker Anthony James, a fast-rising prospect who already has drawn significant Power Four interest. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound defender from La Marque, Texas, holds an Illinois offer and has scheduled an official campus visit for June 12-14. The Illini are showing strong interest in the Lone Star State's emerging defensive player.

IlliniGuys . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

575 Sweet 16 - Illini Bust Up VCU 76-55

Listen

3.20.26 March Madness and Matt Brown on NIL

Listen

574 Mirk & the Illini Roll Over Penn 105-70

Listen

573 The 2026 NCAA Tournament Show

Listen

572 Illini Lose Big Lead vs Badgers

Listen

3.13.26 Wagler All-B1G & All-American & Sturdy Fires Up Underwood

Listen

571 Illini "Smash" the Terps

Listen

3.6.26 Illini Hoops Update & March Madness Begins

Listen

570 Illini Feast on Ducks

Listen

2.27.26 - Reaction to Illini Loss to Michigan, Deon Thomas & More

Listen

569 Illini Fall to B1G Champs 84-70

Listen

568 Illini Hoops Update

Listen

567 Illini Fall to Bruins 95-94 in OT

Listen

2.20.26 - Illini Men's & Women's Hoops Update

Listen

566 Illini Slay Trojans

Listen