Recruiting is never over, as the Illinois football program isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The Illini are still trying to put the finishing touches on what is one of the best recruiting classes in program history. Bret Bielema has us on the cusp of securing a top 20 class for 2026, and that could creep into the top 10 if a couple of decisions go our way in July.
2027 is starting to come into more of a focus, as Illinois continues to offer key recruits across the country. On Friday morning, DeAnthony Crittenden took to social media to announce that he had received a scholarship offer from the Illini.
Blessed to recieve a offer from the university of Illinois @2_adjames @GregSmithRivals @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ @JaredLuginbill @TomLoy247 #AGTG pic.twitter.com/KWnriVK5qa
— Deanthony Crittenden 4⭐️WR (@duked1athlete) June 27, 2025
Crittenden is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound wide receiver from Glenville High School in Ohio. He doesn’t have a rating or ranking just yet, but the offers continue to flow in for this kid.
As of right now, Crittenden has roughly 17 scholarship offers on the table. Most of those are from the MAC, but he also has big-time offers from teams like Iowa State, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan State, among others.
Illinois football trying to tap back into the Ohio recruiting connection
It doesn’t come as a surprise that Illinois is now recruiting a player like Crittenden. He is a great athlete and is someone who could make an early impact on the Illini offense.
Illinois has also done a great job recruiting the state of Ohio. For the 2026 class, we have two Ohio commitments right now. Cam Thomas is a four-star linebacker, and Parker Crim is a top 800 three-star edge. Both players are going to be huge for the Illini.
On top of that great duo of Ohio commits, Illinois has had at least two commits from the state of Ohio in the last three recruiting classes.
Bielema has established a pipeline to the state of Ohio. The Buckeye State has provided the Illini with great talent, and that is the hope once again with Illinois now entering the sweepstakes for Crittenden.