Illinois football gets huge vote of confidence from 4-star linebacker

Illinois football has plenty going for it right now, as recruiting has been full steam ahead.

As of right now, the Illini have 23 commitments with a national recruiting ranking of No. 8 in the country. This number is the highest we have ever seen the program have in the rankings era, so roughly the last quarter-century.

A big part of the high recruiting ranking is the top talent in the class. Illinois has secured four four-star recruits, and one of those talented players is going to remain committed to the program.

On Friday, Greg Smith of Rivals reported that Cam Thomas has decided to shut down his recruitment and remain committed to the Orange and Blue. Thomas confirmed the news by quote reposting Smith with the caption, “Yes sir! Locked In! @IlliniFootball.”

This news is huge for Illinois football, as Cam Thomas is one of our top recruits

Thomas could have gone anywhere and played college football. He is from Ohio and even has an Ohio State jacket on in his recruiting profile picture. Illinois has resecured his commitment, and it is a big one. Thomas is a four-star recruit and the No. 338 player in the class of 2026.

I think this announcement is huge too because there is a long way to go until National Signing Day. While things could always change, and these are just words, Thomas seems locked into what the Illini have to offer. With six months until the first stage of National Signing Day, this news is welcomed.

Illinois also needs to continue keeping the linebacker corps strong. Thomas is going to be a key piece for the program moving forward. The Illini currently have eight either linebackers or edge players committed for 2026. Those are all likely going to be middle or outside linebackers for the program.

Thomas is a huge player for the program. The announcement that he has shut down his recruitment is so big for the Orange and Blue.