Bret Bielema reveals the recruit that got away from him and Illinois Football

At Big Ten media days, Bret Bielema was a part of a social media clip posted by CBS Sports asking, “Who was the recruit that got away?”. Bielema has been part of a historic turnaround of the Illini football program and has elevated every aspect of the program, particularly recruiting. He has landed far more in-state prospects than many, if not all, of his predecesors. However, there are a few that slipped through the Illini’s grasp as they worked their way back to relevance.

Which one stands out most to Bielema?

Dunlap, Illinois TE Mack Sutter

Mack Sutter was the top player in the state of Illinois in the 247Sports class of 2026 rankings. Bret Bielema and his staff had the Illini as one of Sutter’s final schools alongside Alabama, Ole Miss, and Ohio State. Though the Illini recruited their tails off to land a next-level talent in Sutter, they ultimately fell short. However, Bret Bielema and his staff tend to do an incredible job of maintaining relationships and keeping in touch with those around the player. In fact, senior wide receiver Collin Dixon was initially committed to the University of Wisconsin before flipping his commitment towards the end.  Dixon is just one example of a player that the Illini kept in close contact with.

Now, Dixon is one of the Illini’s top receivers and is a team captain. Should Sutter and Alabama not work out, look for the Illini to be right there ready for him. In this day and age, anything is possible.

Bret Bielema reveals the recruit that got away for him

Alabama TE Mack Sutter

“He went to Alabama. I wanted him to come to Illinois” pic.twitter.com/TAgyqY1HlY

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) September 1, 2026