While the Illinois football team is putting together an impressive class of 2026, more names are starting to emerge as possible targets.
Bret Bielema has the Illini on the right track on the field and when it comes to recruiting. He has hit the transfer portal in an efficient and effective way, and his recruiting has taken the Orange and Blue to a new level.
The defensive group that is coming aboard in 2026 has a ton of talent, and there is a chance Illinois could land another solid linebacker.
On Sunday, Jamarion Phillips took to social media to announce that he has cut his list down to just 10 programs. The 10 teams making his top list include Ohio State, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Colorado, Texas A&M, Baylor, Missouri, Arkansas, SMU, and Illinois.
Top 10🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/JtC5F3nlDs
— Jamarion Phillips (@JamarionP1) February 9, 2025
Phillips is a 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker from South Oak Cliff High School in Texas. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 728 player in the class of 2026. Phillips is also the No. 53 linebacker in the country and the No. 100 player coming out of Texas.
Linebacker is a position Illinois football has focused on for the class of 2026
I would love for the Illini to land Phillips. This kid has a ton of talent and is a perfect option for the Illinois defense. Honestly, while he is listed as a linebacker, I could see Phillips coming in and being more of an edge for the Orange and Blue. He has a ton of speed and can beat an offensive tackle off the line of scrimmage.
Illinois is going to have a lot of talent at linebacker coming in from the 2026 class too. Cam Thomas is our second-highest-rated recruit, and he is a four-star from Ohio. Illinois also has Kaedyn Cobbs entering from the class of 2026.
The group of linebackers coming in from the 2026 class is on the heels of another great linebacker group from the class of 2025. Grant Beerman leads the way for this group with Ismael Kante and Jack Paris looking to make an impact early on.
Snagging a player like Phillips would give the Illini so much depth in the front seven. He is a talented and quick player who could make a splash in the first couple of seasons.