Illinois football hosts several key recruits this weekend.

Illinois football looks to add to its 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes.

Illini head coach Bret Bielema and the Illinois football recruiting and coaching staff realize the need for talent and depth. With the shift in scheduling, Illinois needs to recruit the best players possible. That’s what makes recruiting weekends so important. This weekend, the Illini host some of its most important targets in the 2024 cycle. The Illini must fill some holes and improve its talent depth in 2024. Here is a look at some players the Ilini host this recruiting weekend.

Offensive Players

Tysean Griffin, Athlete: Three-star athlete Tysean Griffin is critical for the 2024 class because he’s from Chicago. Bielema has made an effort to rebuild the pipeline in the Chicagoland area, specifically the city of Chicago and Cook County. Illinois is looking for playmakers, and Griffin is one. He played everywhere at Morgan Park High School, so it will be interesting to see where the Illini would play him should he commit.

Carlos Orr, Wide Receiver: The Illini continue to stockpile receivers for the offense. Gatlinburg Pittman product Carlos Orr has all the measurables you want in a wide receiver. At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, he has the size. Orr would have to make the transition to Big Ten football, which might be a learning curve from a smaller school like Gatlinburg Pittman.

Defensive Players

Easton Baker, Linebacker: According to 247sports.com, Easton Baker will announce his commitment on July 1st. There is a lot of competition for the Tooele, Utah native as well. Oklahoma, BYU, and Arizona State are among the schools in the mix for Baker. Consequently, his visit to Champaign this weekend is crucial.

Demetrius John, Defensive Line: Three-star lineman Demetrius John could be an important get for the Illini. Not only would this build a pipeline into Ohio, but the 250-pounder is also potentially a piece that keeps the team’s strength — the defensive line — strong.