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Illinois Football: Top 10 states for Illini recruiting under Bret Bielema

By Rees Woodcock

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini leads the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini leads the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini logo on a helmet during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini logo on a helmet during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Michigan

Historically, Michigan hasn’t exactly been a recruiting hub for the Illinois football program, but we are starting to snag players from this talent-rich state.

Highest Rated Player: Mason Muragin

Illinois is going to have one of the best front sevens in the country this season. We have so much talent on the line and at linebacker. But that talent will eventually graduate or depart for the NFL Draft. So, having someone like Muragin is important.

Muragin is a 6-foot-4, 235-pound edge from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Michigan. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1284 player in the class of 2023. He is also the No. 116 edge in the country and the No. 23 player coming out of Michigan.

I don’t expect to see much out of Muragin in 2023 due to him being a true freshman and Illinois having so much talent. Muragin will transition into the designation of outside linebacker most likely. This will give him the flexibility to either cover tight ends or slot receivers, or he can rush the passer.

Additional Talent

In addition to Muragin, Illinois was also able to snag Jeremiah Warren out of Michigan. He is a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive lineman from Belleville High School. Warren is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1337 player in the class of 2023. He is also the No. 144 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 24 player coming out of Michigan.

Again, much like Muragin, Warren shouldn’t see much time this season. Illinois has a ton of talent on the defensive line, and this gives Warren time to redshirt.

Overall, I like what the state of Michigan is bringing Illinois. I expect both Muragin and Warren to contribute in 2024 and move into starting roles by 2025.

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