Illinois Football: Ranking the last 10 Illini recruiting classes

6. Class of 2015

When it comes to class rankings, the class of 2015 was technically one of the best for the Illini in the last 10 years. But, this class didn’t pan out to what was on paper. Many thought this class was going to help turn around the program, though.

The class of 2012 consisted of two four-star recruits and 14 three-star recruits. The class actually finished as the No. 44 class in the nation in what would be the final full class under Beckman. This class didn’t produce a lot of impact players.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn was one of the four-star players. He was a running back who had a good freshman campaign but ended up transferring out after one year under Lovie Smith. He is now with Vanderbilt. Gabe Megginson was the other four-star recruit. He wasn’t really panning out and decided to transfer as well. He is now playing for Illinois State.

I can honestly say, out of this class, there isn’t a player who will make an impact on the depth chart for 2018. Some of the class has transferred out of the program, but even with the transfers, there aren’t a ton of big-time playmakers.

Jamal Milan is probably the best player from this class still left on the roster. He is a backup defensive tackle heading into 2018. But, he should see a decent amount of snaps. Beyond Milan, it is hard to pinpoint another player who will do well this season.

Illinois didn’t produce very much talent from this class despite what it says on paper. Not having this class come through really hurt the program the last few seasons.