It has been impressive what the Illinois football program has done with the quarterback room.
Under Bret Bielema, the Illini continue to land talented quarterback after talented quarterback. Just a few weeks ago, Illinois might have landed the best one out of the bunch, though.
Kamden Lopati committed to the Illini. He will bring his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame to the quarterback position for the Orange and Blue in 2027. Honestly, this kid is probably going to be even bigger than that with two years of high school left.
And with that much time left in high school, the accolades and national recognition are only going to continue to grow. On Friday, the legend of Lopati just got a little stronger.
Lopati took to social media to announce that he was invited to the Under Armour Next All-American Game for 2026. This is one of the prestigious high school showcases for players to display their great talent.
I am grateful to @DemetricDWarren for the invite to the UA 2026 All America Game. @UANextFootball @TheUCReport @coachsolovi @westpanthersfb @Andy_Pham1 @coachdrew8 @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @BlairAngulo @GregBiggins @Rivals @On3sports @247Sports pic.twitter.com/EkI9IWu9o4
— Kamden Lopati (@CowboyKamden) August 8, 2025
It doesn’t come as a surprise that Lopati is invited to this game either. He is a four-star recruit who is the No. 195 player in the class of 2027. He is also the No. 16 quarterback in the country and the No. 2 player coming out of Utah.
Just in his sophomore year alone, Lopati threw for 3,050 yards, 25 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also ran for 647 yards and three touchdowns. He was one of the most versatile players in the country.
A starting job could be waiting for Kamden Lopati early on at Illinois
Lopati is only going to get better through his final couple of seasons in high school. When the 2027 season rolls around, who is going to be Illinois’ gunslinger, though?
Well, Luke Altmyer is going to be gone. Backup quarterback Ethan Hampton is going to be gone. Trey Petty will be a redshirt junior. I assume Carson Boyd and Jershaun Newton will be redshirt sophomores.
Illinois doesn’t know what Petty, Boyd, and Newton will be as quarterbacks. Any of them could be incredible, but they all could be average. Honestly, the 2026 season will determine everything. Just an opinion, but I think there is a chance you see the spring of 2026 give us a better picture of the quarterback situation, and then we have someone transfer out.
But with so much uncertainty after Altmyer leaves, why not think that Lopati could start from day one at Illinois? He is tearing up the high school ranks as a sophomore, and he is only going to improve. The future is so bright for Lopati. Illinois’ starting quarterback job could be waiting with open arms.