Illinois Football: Illini extend offer to 2025’s Sael Reyes

Illinois football is looking toward future classes, as the program extended an offer to 2025’s Sael Reyes out of East St. Louis.

The Illini have been hard at work the last several weeks in recruiting, as they have landed multiple recruits and have now offered a scholarship to Sael Reyes. Reyes is currently a 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety, and was offered by Illinois June 16. Along with Illinois, Reyes is receiving looks from Arkansas, Louisiana, Marshall, and Buffalo.

“Extremely blessed to receive an offer from the University of Illinois,” Reyes wrote on his Twitter account. At press time, the tweet has done well, as Reyes has racked up over 210 likes and a lot of positivity on the part of Illini Nation.

Reyes’ East St. Louis squad is one of the best teams in Illinois. During the 2021 season, the Flyers worked their way to the Class 6A State Championship for the second-straight year (2020 did not crown a state champion in Illinois).

The Flyers finished with an 11-3 overall record with an undefeated mark in the conference. Notable wins included De Smet Jesuit, Christian Brothers, and Edwardsville. They also lost to two national powers in IMG Academy (FL) and St. John Bosco (CA), which likely helped them propel their way to the finals.

Unfortunately for the Flyers, they lost in the state finals to Cary-Grove in an incredible game, as they fell 37-36. Despite the loss, the Flyers proved once again that they can hang with the best high school football teams out there.

How would Sael Reyes fit in with the Illinois football team?

Reyes would be an excellent addition to the Illinois football program. Recruiting the state of Illinois, along with the Midwest, has been a major goal for Bret Bielema. Reyes competes for a highly-touted program, and there’s a great chance that the Flyers can get back to state in the near future.

Reyes’ recruiting trail will be one to watch in the coming years, but only time will tell if he lands with the Orange and Blue.