Illinois football’s recruiting momentum has crossed classes. The Illini took advantage of a 10-win season last fall with a strong winter, spring and summer on the recruiting trail, building a 23-member Class of 2026 that currently ranks No. 27 in the country and No. 9 in the Big Ten and has a chance to be the Illini’s highest-ranked recruiting class since 2009.
But Sunday showed that the Illini’s stock continues to rise with future recruits as well.
What a start to the Class of 2027 with four-star Salt Lake City (Utah) West quarterback Kamden Lopati announcing a commitment to Illinois, choosing the Illini over Oregon, Washington, Purdue, Utah, Arizona and several other Power Four options.
Notably, this is the Illini’s earliest commitment in a class in recent memory — and it’s from a top-20 quarterback prospect who had many other significant Big Ten and Power Four suitors.
The Illini have pushed to get quarterbacks on board early. Carson Boyd committed in January, 11 months before he could sign. Michael Clayton jumped on board in November, 13 months before he could sign. Now, Lopati gives Illinois an even earlier spark in the Class of 2027, committing more than 16 months before he can sign with the Illini. And he plans to visit Illinois multiple times this fall to help convince other top targets to jump on board.