Illinois football lands top in-state EDGE Jacob Alexander

NEWS: Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini have secured yet another victory on the 2026 recruiting trail. Following an on-campus visit over the weekend, in-state priority target Jacob Alexander announced his official commitment to Illinois Football on Monday evening (1/27). The highly sought-after edge rusher from Frankfort (IL), is the Illini’s second pickup from the Land of Lincoln in the 2026 class.

BREAKING: Class of 2026 EDGE Jacob Alexander has Committed to Illinois, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’4 240 EDGE from Frankfort, IL chose the Fighting Illini over Michigan, Nebraska, & Missouri

“It’s all about famILLy, build a legacy at HOME”https://t.co/Sh5hSbobhv pic.twitter.com/QyUXv87b7m

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 28, 2025

A plethora of Big Ten programs were in the mix for Jacob, including Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Rutgers. However, Illinois managed to land the Chicagoland native’s commitment, despite stiff competition.

Other Offers Include:

• Missouri
• Kansas
• Kansas State
• Louisville
• Cincinnati

More

Alexander’s  6’4″ and 240 pounds frame, coupled with a quick burst off the line, helped him thrive amongst elite competition in the Southwest Suburban Conference. As a junior at Lincoln-Way East, he recorded 5 sacks as well as 36 tackles, cementing his reputation as one of the top pass rushers in the region.

The Frankfort, Illinois native is the 13th-best player in Illinois for the class of 2026 currently, and the 513th overall prospect in the nation, according to 247 Sports. His commitment propels the Illini’s 2026 recruiting class, now with six commitments, into the early top-25 rankings at #23.

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