Illinois is adding another top prospect from one of the state’s powerhouse prep programs. Three-star Frankfort (Ill.) Lincoln-Way East Class of 2027 offensive lineman Mason Halliman committed to Illinois on Saturday, he announced.

  • The 6-foot-5, 280-pound prospect chose Illinois over more than a dozen other Power Four offers, including Michigan, Iowa, Penn State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Ole Miss and Tennessee.
  • Halliman took an official visit to Illinois on April 10-12 and had planned an official visit for Iowa in June.
  • 247Sports ranks Halliman as the No. 21 interior offensive line prospect in the Class of 2027 and the No. 13 prospect in the state of Illinois. According to the Composite rankings, Halliman is the No. 474 overall prospect in the country.
  • Illinois offensive line coach Bart Miller has led the Illini’s pursuit of Halliman.

Why it matters: Halliman is a big in-state recruiting win for the Illini over Big Ten foes Iowa and Michigan, and it’s a second big win in a row at Lincoln-Way East after Illinois landed three-star edge rusher Jacob Alexander last recruiting cycle. It’s good to have strong relationships at the state powerhouse. Halliman joins Composite four-star Justin Johnson as the Illini’s lone two commitments in the Class of 2027, but both are top-15 in-state prospects in what is a loaded in-state pool of talent in this recruiting cycle. Illinois will never own the state of Illinois because the entire country comes to recruit one of the most populous states in the country, but the Illini are winning far more Big Ten and Power Four battles for the state’s better talent under head coach Bret Bielema. In the last six recruiting cycles, Illinois has landed 30 top-30 in-state prospects. In the six years before Bielema’s arrival, Illinois had landed 10 top-30 in-state prospects.

Why Illinois: “I like the proximity to home, and I like Coach Bielema a lot,” Halliman said in January. “I think he’s a great coach. He’s done a lot of great things here. [His message to me] was about doing the little things right and just doing the same things every day over and over, no matter what. …”I think they’re nasty. They’re a nasty, big, feisty old line, and I’d like to be one of them.”

Scouting report: “Versatile offensive lineman with a good combination of mobility and aggression. Spent junior year working at left tackle and protecting four-star quarterback Jonas Williams, but long-term future might be on the interior at one of the guard spots. Can engage multiple targets on a rep. Flows well laterally and shines as a combo blocker. Quick to find a wide base in pass sets and will work to recover. Uncorks power with his punch and should generate more push after a few semesters in a college strength program. Tracking for a developmental period as he fills into a frame that’s believed to be hovering around 6-foot-3, but has a higher ceiling with his profile (88 explosion score) and fluidity.” — Andrew Ivins, 247Sports director of scouting

How he fits Halliman plays left tackle for Lincoln-Way East, but he likely will move inside at the next level. He must continue to add strength, but he has good lateral athleticism and good length, and he could have versatility to play all over the offensive line. He continues what has been a strong last few classes on the offensive line for Miller and the Illini staff, following the additions of four-star prospects Champ Smith and Kai Pritchard as well as in-state offensive tackle Casey Thomann. Give Halliman a few years of strength and technique development, and he has Big Ten starter potential.