Illinois Football Lands Commitment of Top In-State WR

Illinois Football just picked up a massive in-state commitment. On Monday afternoon (5/20), Mt. Zion (Ill) wide receiver Brayden Trimble announced his commitment to the University of Illinois.  Trimble is a 3-star recruit and ranked as the 17th-best player in the state according to 247 Sports. Standing in at 6’2 and 170 pounds, the athletic pass catcher is a great pickup for coach Justin Stepp in the receiver room. Furthermore, it was a big-time in-state recruiting win for Bret Bielema.

On Sunday, Brayden competed alongside Illini commits Carson Boyd and Andre Lovett at the Rivals series camp in Indianapolis. The trio competed with some of the top high school football prospects in the Midwest. Brayden stood out as MVP of the wide receivers group at the Rivals camp. Certainly, a very impressive win for the young man, and a solid addition to his resume. “The summer has started off really well for me,” Trimble told Armchair Illini. “I ended up getting (Rivals) MVP which felt great. Carson Boyd and I had a great connection off the back.” Of course, Brayden is referring to 2025 Illini QB commit Carson Boyd. Certainly, solid connections never hurt, and for Illinois, a strong bond is already being constructed between gunslinger and pass-catcher.

Committed!!!🧡💙 I-L-L #AGTG @coachjstepp @BretBielema @BarryLunneyJr @IlliniFootball @GregSmithRivals @EDGYTIM @AllenTrieu @patricketherton pic.twitter.com/UoRW4HvL0l

— Brayden Trimble (@BraydenTrimble6) May 20, 2024

Get To Know: Brayden Trimble

The Commitment

Brayden has a slough of other offers, including Auburn, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan State, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa State, among others. It seemed the process of a commitment would take time for the MVP wide-out. Bret Bielema’s staff even has Brayden scheduled for an official visit in late June. However, for the Central IL native, Illinois just felt right.

“I chose Illinois because it just feels like home.” Says Trimble. “The coaching staff always have made me feel like a top priority in the building, and everything about them has made me just want to commit.” says the star in-state receiver. “I have built a strong connection with Stepp, Bielema, (Barry) Lunney, and Houston. I am always having a conversation with Coach Stepp on the phone. As well as coach Lunney. Coach B is always checking on me and my family. Coach Houston is always texting with me, keeping up with me.” 

The Future

The 2025 recruit believes that the future of the Illinois Football program, as well as his future at wide-out with the Illini, is bright. Which, the Mt. Zion native believes fans will be very excited to tune in to. Trimble claims “I get excited about where I see Illinois going. We are bringing a lot of great recruits in, and the team is destined for greatness. The future of Illinois with me at WR is bright, and I know once I step on campus and put that jersey on, they are getting everything I have at all times. I will be great.” 

Drawing inspiration from legends is how the Central Illinoisan has modeled his style of play. However, for Brayden, there is still much more to learn and manifest from his heroes. “My favorite NFL player is OBJ (Odell Beckham Jr for those unaware) and my College player is Malik Nabers. I love modeling my game after them,” says Brayden. I love that I am playing for the orange and Blue and I will be the next great Illinois/College Receiver.” 

Fun Facts

Of course, hobbies for the future Illini stretch past just playing football. Like many of us, Brayden has no problem unwinding for a little time on the sticks. “I love playing the game,” said Trimble in regards to video games. “I’m gonna be playing the new college football game a lot.” Of course, this refers to EA Sports NCAA 25, which will be released on July 19th. Soon, the young man, along with the rest of his world, will be able to play as himself in the game that he so looks forward to.

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