While the basketball program is taking the spotlight right now, the Illinois football continues to do work behind the scenes.
Bret Bielema has the Illini recruiting at a high level for 2026, as we have a top 10 recruiting class and more big-time recruits eyeing us.
Since Bielema took over the program, Illinois has had pretty good defensive linemen. The top of the mountain was Jer’Zhan Newton. The Illini are now hoping we can get another Newton, and maybe someone like Jamarcus Whyce could be that type of player.
On Monday night, Whyce took to social media to announce that he had narrowed the scope of his recruitment. He ended up cutting his list down to 12 programs which included Tennessee, Louisville, Virginia, North Carolina State, West Virginia, Missouri, Michigan State, Indiana, Maryland, Auburn, Kentucky, and Illinois.
“Top 12” 😈 pic.twitter.com/jUmsZ101O1
— Jamarcus ‘FATT’ Whyce (@jamarcuswhyce_) March 17, 2025
Whyce is a wanted recruit for a reason. He is a 6-foot-1.5, 265-pound defensive lineman from Trotwood-Maidson High School in Ohio. Whyce is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 469 player in the class of 2026. He is also the No. 53 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 21 player coming out of Ohio.
Illinois football needs more defensive line talent moving forward
While the Illini have had tremendous success with defensive linemen in the past, Bielema has yet to land a defensive lineman for the class of 2026.
The 2026 class does rank No. 6 in the nation, but the closest thing Illinois has to a defensive line commit are multiple EDGE players, who will likely turn into outside linebackers.
Usually, the defensive line at Illinois is built through the transfer portal, but it would be nice to have some young developing talent behind those experienced players. I am curious how the Illinois defensive line will look this upcoming season.
The Illini secured two solid defensive linemen from Wisconsin in the transfer portal. Curt Neal and James Thompson Jr. will have a say in snaps this season. I am excited about Gentle Hunt getting healthy and contributing. Tomiwa Durojaiye could also make an impact coming in from Florida State.
I also like what Illinois has returning. Alex Bray is back in the fold. Angelo McCullom, Demetrius John, and Jeremiah Warren have a chance to take another step in their careers.
Illinois is looking to build the defensive line. We have nice pieces in place, but adding someone like Whyce would be big for the Orange and Blue.