Illinois Football is building an incredible class of 2026 heading into Spring Ball

April has quickly become a pivotal month in the college football recruiting cycle. With spring practices in full swing, top recruits from around the nation are making their way to campuses across the country to experience programs firsthand (some for the first time) for official visits, in addition to getting a feel for what life is like at each university—and Illinois Football is right there in the thick of it.

For many, these official visits play a key role in their decision-making, and for coaching staff, it’s a great chance to close priority targets. For Bret Bielema’s crew, it’s also an early litmus test for momentum and progress—a chance to show they belong in the conversation of some of these big-time battles they are currently involved in.

Illinois Football is building momentum from a strong 2024 season and capitalizing on it. This spring, the Fighting Illini have built a class that has consistently sat in the top 15 overall ranking for 2026.

Most recently, Bret Bielema and his staff secured a standout commitment from 3-star running back Javari Barnett, from the Tampa Bay area.

This is a really impressive pickup for the Illini from the talent-ridden Sunshine State. Barnett is a dynamic back with great tape. He possesses SEC speed and Big Ten toughness, and he had the offer sheet to prove it. The Tampa Bay-area native turned down a host of blue blood offers from both the SEC and Big Ten. After spending the weekend in Champaign, however, Barnett felt right at home and saw a promising future within a talented running back group.

So what does his addition mean for Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class?

Where Illinois Football Stands After Barnett’s Commitment

Javari’s verbal commitment is the 11th for Illinois Football in the class of 2026. Fitting, as the talented running back’s pledge places the Fighting Illini in good company at the No. 11 spot in the 247 Sports Team Rankings for 2026. Of course, sitting just outside the top-10—where Illinois has consistently remained despite it still being early in the cycle.

It’s going to be really tough for Illinois to maintain a top-10 ranking when it’s all said and done without a couple of 5-star commits (or a handful of 4-stars). However, it is realistic to believe Illinois — if they can hit on a very strong percentage of their top targets — can hold a top-25 class. 

The upcoming highly anticipated 2025 season will be a critical test for Illinois. If they can maintain their success and take a step forward with an experienced roster, the Illini could keep their momentum rolling on the recruiting trail and push to new heights not seen in Champaign in well over a decade.

Current 2026 Class for Illinois Football, Per 247 Sports

• Victor Singleton – Cornerback
  Toledo, Ohio (Central Catholic High School)

• Cam Thomas – Linebacker
  West Chester, Ohio (Lakota West High School)

• Javari Barnett – Running Back
  Lake Wales, Florida (Lake Wales High School)

• Jacob Alexander – Edge Rusher
  Frankfort, Illinois (Lincoln-Way East High School)

• Davon Grant – Athlete
  DeKalb, Illinois (DeKalb High School)

• Kaedyn Cobbs – Safety
  Denton, Texas (Guyer High School)

• Michael Clayton II – Quarterback (Pro-Style)
  Sanford, Florida (Seminole High School)

• Kingston Shaw – Defensive End
  Apopka, Florida (Apopka High School)

• Kenyon Alston – Wide Receiver
  Orlando, Florida (Bishop Moore Catholic High School)

• Landen Von Seggern – Offensive Guard
  Omaha, Nebraska (Millard South High School)

• Casey Thomann – Offensive Tackle
  Olney, Illinois (East Richland High School)

Sep 8, 2023. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff – USA TODAY Sports.

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