Illinois football news: In-state Priority Tight end commits to the Illini

News: Illinois Football has made it clear that tight end is a priority in the 2026 class, especially with the expected departures of veterans Cole Rusk and Tanner Arkin after this season. With a need to add size, depth, and long-term stability to Robby Discher’s room, the staff has been actively targeting top in-state talent at the position.

Now, they’ve landed one of their top in-state targets to get momentum rolling, as Downers Grove North tight end Will Vala — a 3-star prospect — announced his commitment to the Illini on Monday evening, becoming the likely first of two in the class at the position. The athletic 6’3 threat joins a group that’s expected to undergo significant turnover and could have a real opportunity to compete for early playing time once he arrives in Champaign. Will chose the Illini over several power-4 offers from programs like Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Purdue, Wisconsin, and more. 

His addition also boosts what’s shaping up to be a standout 2026 class for Illinois Football – who have climbed to No. 15 nationally in the latest 247Sports team rankings.

100% COMMITTED!!!
ILL🟧🟦@IlliniFootball @BretBielema @BarryLunneyJr @RobbyDischer @dannycameron18 @coachPatRyan @CoachHoreniDGN @CoachCroci54 @CoachGuerrieri @adamgorney @AllenTrieu @GregSmithRivals @TomLoy247 @BrandonHuffman @PrepRedzoneIL @OJW_Scouting @Andrew_Ivins… pic.twitter.com/vmsWN5Hf6c

— Will Vala (@WillVala27) June 9, 2025

The Next Step for Illinois Football at TE

Will is expected to be one of two tight ends Illinois takes in the 2026 class. Currently, the staff has their eyes on a few more in-state options. Among them are Mack Sutter (Dunlap, IL) and JC Anderson (Mt. Zion, IL) — both of whom remain priority targets right in the Illini’s backyard. With the future of the position wide open in 2026 and beyond, the Illini are looking to not only replace experience but to rebuild long-term depth with players who can develop within the system. Adding another talented tight end to pair with Vala, who could potentially see early early and impactful reps, would certainly go a long way in solidifying that foundation.

The search continues, however, Illinois is riding a very solid wave of momentum. Can the staff close on one of their two remaining top-5 in-state targets to round out Dischers unit for 2026?

Sep 7. 2024. Champaign. Illinois. USA. Illinois Fighting Illini. Tight end. No 85. Tanner Arkin. Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson. Imagn Images.

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