VIP: Who could be next in Illini football Class of 2027? Five prospects to watch

Following long-time Illinois commit and Composite four-star quarterback Kamden Lopati ‘s defection to Michigan last month, Composite four-star Evanston (Ill.) defensive back Justin Johnson stands alone as Illini football’s lone commitment in the Class of 2027.

Illinois currently is the only Big Ten program with fewer than three commitments. But the Illini hope to change that soon.

Illinois hosted 10 prospects for official visits last month and will host many more for official visits during three June weekends.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said last week that the Illini will bring in a much smaller class this cycle — about 12 to 18 players — compared to last year’s top-25 national class, which included 29 prep prospects and four junior college prospects.

But the Illini also have seen some top targets commit to rivals, including in-state prospects Luke Injaychock (Missouri), David Hill (Wisconsin) and Jake Thies (Iowa). So Illinois has some urgency to add around Johnson in the Class of 2027 in the coming weeks.

“The first two weeks in June are going to be big weeks for us,” Bielema said last week.

Here are five prospects who could be next to commit to the Illini.