Illinois football enters pivotal class of 2025 recruiting weekend

It has been a nice little start to the class of 2025 for the Illinois football program.

The Illini are currently on the board with 14 commitments for 2025, and we rank No. 63 nationally. While that large number in the 60s might scare some fans, there is plenty of time for Illinois to secure some big-time commitments.

As of right now, the Illini have two four-stars in tow with numerous three-star recruits ready to rise up. But with only 14 pledges, more bodies are needed to form a solid top-50 recruiting class.

That is why this weekend is so big for the Orange and Blue. Not only do the Illini have to avoid the letdown game against Purdue, but there are some big 2025 recruits taking in the action.

Illinois football has a chance to impress some key recruits for the class of 2025

The most notable name to visit Illinois is Dawayne Galloway. The talented defensive back is in Champaign this weekend for an unofficial visit.

Galloway was committed to Purdue but backed away from his commitment within the past week. He is someone who should be a top priority for the Illini.

It is going to be difficult to land Galloway, as he is wanted by numerous big-time programs. He is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound cornerback who is rated as a four-star recruit. He is also the No. 17 player in the state of Ohio and the No. 44 cornerback in the country.

This weekend needs to be a game-changer for Galloway. If Illinois can impress this kid and land him in the near future, he would give us such a good weapon moving into the 2025 campaign and beyond.

Another intriguing visit is JJ Hirdes. Illinois wouldn’t put time and resources into recruiting a kid that they didn’t see potential in. That is why getting Hirdes in the door is interesting.

Hirdes is a 6-foot-5, 275-pound offensive tackle out of Michigan. He is rated as a two-star recruit and doesn’t register on a national or state level.

Right now, Hirdes is committed to Western Michigan. His offer list isn’t huge either, as it is mostly MAC programs. But Illinois is putting in an effort to recruit Hirdes, and that means they see something in him. With Bret Bielema’s knowledge of offensive linemen, and Illinois’ ability to develop players, don’t be shocked if we swoop in and flip this kid to an Illini commitment.

There are more players visiting this weekend who have already committed to Illinois. Galloway and Hirdes are two that I am keeping an eye on. Let’s see what type of magic the Illini can work in the coming days.