Illinois Football: 2026 4-Star Linebacker Commit Shuts Down Recruitment

The Illinois Football staff has officially locked in one of its top targets in the class of 2026, as four-star linebacker and US Army All-American Cam Thomas has shut down his recruitment for good, confirming the news to Greg Smith of Rivals.com.

While Thomas first committed to the Illini back in early February, fans know that in today’s ever-shifting college football landscape, verbal pledges often come with some hesitation or outside pressure (especially with NIL). Thomas, however, made it clear publicly that he’s all in for the Illini.

Speaking to Smith on Saturday (6/21), Cam told Rivals, “January can’t come fast enough!” — signaling full steam ahead toward signing day and his future in Champaign.

Yes sir! Locked In! @IlliniFootball 🍊

🔷FamILLY🔶 https://t.co/zRxThxJUmy

— Cam Thomas (@CamThomas2026_3) June 20, 2025

Last season, Thomas racked up 84 tackles for Lakota West HS, including 4 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, and 4 pass breakups — earning Division I Third-Team All-State honors in the talent-rich state of Ohio. Certainly, it’s notable that Illinois Football has locked this one down for the future of Archie McDaniel’s unit to develop in 2026 and beyond.

Thomas’s confirmed commitment further solidifies the Fighting Illini’s rising 2026 class, which currently ranks No. 10 in the nation according to the 247Sports’ Team Rankings.

Thomas Told Armchair Illini…

Following his commitment back in February, Thomas told Armchair Illini, “I had some impressive offers and opportunities, but the Illini made me feel most at home.” He went on to say, “I definitely felt like a priority throughout the process — in the building and on campus.”

Others In Pursuit: Oregon, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Purdue, Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, NC State, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Akron, Ball State, Charlotte, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Marshall, Miami (OH), Ohio, Toledo, UMass.

Sep 8. 2023. Illinois. Fighting Illini. Kansas Jayhawks. Zachary Barlev. Lawrence, Kansas. USA. David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff. USA TODAY Sports. Imagin.

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