Illinois Football battling for top 2026 in-state Lineman Gene Riordan

Illinois Football is heavily recruiting in-state Offensive lineman, Gene Riordan. Riordan is a 6 foot 4, offensive lineman who currently plays at Hinsdale Central High School in the suburbs of Chicago. Per 247sports, Riordan is a top 500 prospect in the class of 2026 and he has offers from Iowa, Kansas, and Boston College. Gene was on campus for the 100th anniversary of the Memorial Stadium game where the Illini beat Michigan. Riordan was kind enough to speak to us about his visit to Illinois Football:

How was your visit to Illinois?

“My visit to Illinois was great, it was an awesome time watching the Illini win, also reconnecting with the staff and some players currently committed.”

What other schools are you hearing from and how do you see Illinois fitting in?

“I am hearing from Iowa, Oklahoma, Northwestern, Minnesota, and Virginia. Illinois is fitting in well”

What was your favorite part about the visit?

” My favorite part of the visit was getting to know the class of 25’ OL commits better“.

For reference, that includes Wisconsin native Griffin Rousseau and fellow in-state lineman, Michael McDonough. Bret Bielema and Bart Miller have made a concerted effort to recruit in-state linemen. As the future approaches, Illinois football needs power-five linemen to fill in for them. Gene Riordan would be a massive win for the Illini based on his offer list.

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