Illinois Football Lands 3-Star Texas Wide Out Brody Knowles

Illinois Football has landed its 12th commitment in the class of 2027! On Monday as Southlake Carroll (TX) wide receiver Brody Knowles announced his pledge to Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini.

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound wideout chose Illinois over finalists Arkansas and in-state TCU, despite holding offers from programs such as Colorado, Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and several others. He’s currently ranked as the No. 104 overall player in the state of Texas, in addition to being the 106th ranked wide receiver in the nation according to 247 Sports. 

While Illinois may have gotten off to a slower start in the 2027 cycle than some fans anticipated, the class has gained significant momentum. With Knowles now on board, the Illini sit at 60th nationally in the 2027 team recruiting rankings.

His commitment also gives Illinois another recruiting win in one of the nation’s most talent-rich states. Knowles becomes the second Texas pledge in the 2027 class, joining La Marque linebacker Anthony James.

So, what exactly are the Illini getting in the big-framed wideout?

NEWS: Illinois Football has landed three-star Texas wide receiver Brody Knowles over TCU, Arkansas and more.

Huge win for Justin Stepp and co. #illini pic.twitter.com/UxrMIE7OOf

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) June 22, 2026

What Brody Knowles Means for Illinois Football in 2027 and Beyond

Illinois made Knowles a priority throughout his recruitment, and it’s easy to see why when turning on the film.

At 6-foot-5, Knowles brings a dangerous combination of size and athleticism to the position, and naturally creates matchup problems with his length and catch radius. That said, he’s more than just a big target to throw up 50/50 balls to…. On film, he shows the ability to run crisp routes, find separation, and create explosive plays after the catch with quick burst speed.  His ability to make big plays, win in contested situations, and turn routine catches into chunk gains makes him a highly intriguing developmental prospect for coach Justin Stepp’s unit. 

In 2026, he hauled in 36 receptions for 816 yards and 7 touchdowns during his junior season, while competing for one of Texas’ premier high school football programs, in Southlake Carroll. His production and physical tools attracted high level power four interest from programs across the country, making this a notable win for Stepp and the Illini.

If his development continues over the next few years, Knowles certainly possesses the traits to become a productive play maker in the Big Ten. 

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