Illinois Football news: In-state Lineman Owen Fors sets official visit

News: Illinois football will receive an official visit from three-star in-state lineman, Owen Fors. Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer reported that the Barrington, Illinois native will arrive to Champaign for an official visit during the weekend of June 6th to 8th. Right now, 247sports has Fors ranked as the 28th overall prospect in the state of Illinois for the class of 2026. He holds offers from the likes of Indiana, Northwestern, Iowa State, Michigan State, and more. Illinois football has done an outstanding job with its class of 2026. Despite losing four-star defensive back, Victor Singleton to Texas A&M, the Illini currently have the 10th-ranked recruiting class in the country (per 247sports).

Currently, EDGE Jacob Alexander, ATH Nasir Rankin, DL King Liggins, OL Tony Balanganayl, OL Casey Thomann, and Wide receiver DaVon Grant are the in-state commitments in the Illini’s class of 2026. Balanganayl, Thomann, and Landen Von Seggern are the three committed offensive linemen prospects.

The need for offensive linemen

Heading into the 2025-2026 season, Illinois can safely call its offensive line a strong suit. They return the five starters from the 2024 Citrus Bowl, including likely NFL prospect J.C. Davis. However, they need depth in their two deep and need to build for the seasons afterwards. They will likely bridge with some transfer portal offensive linemen; however, having a stash of high-major prospects on the reserve is certainly a must.

Landing Fors would be yet another huge win for Bret Bielema and his staff, and they look to be in the driver’s seat heading into his official visit.

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