Illinois Football “Building Something Special,” Says New TE Commit Will Vala

Illinois Football continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail with the recent commitment of Downers Grove North’s (IL) Will Vala —a versatile 3-star tight end who helps address one of the Illini’s most pressing needs: long-term talent and depth to the tight end room.

With veterans Cole Rusk and Tanner Arkin expected to depart after the 2025 season, Bret Bielema’s staff has been actively pursuing some top in-state talent to bolster Coach Robby Discher’s unit. Thankfully, Vala has the tools — with his blend of size and versatility — to make an early and potentially significant impact in the TE unit.

Vala’s decision to join the Illini over several Power Five offers — including Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Purdue, Wisconsin, and several others — reflects the growing belief among top in-state prospects that Illinois is becoming a serious destination. Under Bielema’s leadership, the movement continues to gain real traction, with recruits like Vala buying into the vision Bielema and his staff are building in Champaign.

In a recent conversation, Vala opened up to Armchair Illini about his decision to close his recruitment, further detailing why he believes the 2026 recruiting class is “Building something special,” which could potentially mark a pivotal moment for the future of the Illinois Football program.

100% COMMITTED!!!
ILL🟧🟦@IlliniFootball @BretBielema @BarryLunneyJr @RobbyDischer @dannycameron18 @coachPatRyan @CoachHoreniDGN @CoachCroci54 @CoachGuerrieri @adamgorney @AllenTrieu @GregSmithRivals @TomLoy247 @BrandonHuffman @PrepRedzoneIL @OJW_Scouting @Andrew_Ivins… pic.twitter.com/vmsWN5Hf6c

— Will Vala (@WillVala27) June 9, 2025

The Moment Champaign Felt Like Home for Vala

For Will, the decision to stay close to home wasn’t just about geography. From the start, strong connections with coach Bret Bielema’s coaching staff and the genuine sense of “FamILLy” made Illinois stand out.

 “The coaching staff was amazing and has been since the first time I visited Illinois,” Will stated. “Coach B made me feel at home because of the personal conversations we had.”

Furthermore, Vala claims, “I knew Illinois was home a couple of days before my OV.”

That feeling only grew stronger. While in Champaign, he bonded with future teammates and ultimately decided to lock in.

“My official visit went very well, and it was super fun. We got to play paintball in the stadium, and I spent a lot of time with the players.”

The Potential to Make Waves Early in Illinois’ Offense

With the expected departures of veterans Cole Rusk and Tanner Arkin after this season, Illinois Football is looking to reload the tight end room with size, versatility, and talented long-term stability. That’s where key in-state snags like Will come in—ready to fill a key role in coach Robby Discher’s ever evolving unit. His skill set aligns well with the staff’s vision for a more dynamic, big-play threat at the position, and with continued development, there’s a chance for Vala to flash some of his potential and earn valuable reps early.

Vala on how the staff’s vision for his role in Champaign: “I would be used more as an H-back and a guy who can move around a lot. Not that I wouldn’t be playing in line, but more as a flexed tight end.”

Sep 7. 2024. Champaign, Illinois. USA. Illinois Fighting Illini. Tight end Tanner Arkin. VS Kansas Jayhawks. Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson. Imagn Images.

Illinois Football Gaining Momentum As a Serious Option for Top Recruits

Currently at No. 13 in the nation in the 2026 team rankings, with 19 commits—including seven from the Land of Lincoln (5 of whom rank in the state’s Top 25)—Illinois Football has certainly gained some steam with in-state talent. That momentum certainly isn’t lost on Vala, who sees the program trending in the right direction.

Seemingly, a growing number of top in-state prospects are starting to view Illinois as a legitimate path to both development and opportunity at the next level. If the program continues to build on this success, it could mark a turning point in how high-level in-state talent approaches the decision to stay home for future classes.

“I definitely think Illinois football is on the rise and is going to be an amazing spot for in-state and top athletes across the country. Even when I was on the official visit, I could feel what the program has come to in a great way.”

Illinois Football: “Building Something Special”

The Downers Grove North star is confident that success will continue for the Illini. With a strong 2026 recruiting class taking shape, Vala believes this 2026 class will be a major milestone in the Illinois Football program.

His optimism stems not only from the impressive talent already joining the class but also from the deep connections and pride he feels in representing his home state.

“It means a lot because it is in state, and a lot of people around me root for the Illini. It’s awesome being in such a great recruiting class, knowing we’re building something special.”

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