Football
Illinois Football TE Target Commits to Ole Miss
Illinois Football has now missed on its second straight in-state tight end target to the SEC.
News: Illinois Football TE target JC Anderson has made it official that he has decided to head to the SEC to play for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels, despite strong efforts from Bret Bielema’s staff to keep this one close to home.
The 4-star Mt. Zion (IL) native is currently the No. 8 TE prospect in the nation, in addition to being the No. 3 overall player in the state of Illinois, according to 247 Sports. Undoubtedly, a loss that has a bit of a sting to it, as less than a week ago, the Illini also missed out on 4-star TE Mack Sutter (Dunlap, IL), who pledged his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide last Thursday (6/26).
After missing on two of their top targets within 100 or so miles from Memorial Stadium, what’s next for Robby Discher‘s unit?
Four-star Illini priority TE target JC Anderson chose Ole Miss over Illinois and Auburn pic.twitter.com/MkY0G2Wu4E
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) July 1, 2025
What’s Next For Illinois Football?
Even with Anderson and Sutter heading to the SEC, Illinois Football remains in strong shape with 22 commitments and a top-20 national ranking (No. 18 according to 247 Sports). Certainly, the loss of two top talents right in your backyard undoubtedly stings, but it does not erase what this staff has already accomplished thus far.
Climbing back into the top-10 might be off the table, but staying in the top-25 would still mark a massive leap forward for Bielema’s staff and the future of Illinois Football, which finished No. 49 in last year’s rankings.
In-state tight end Will Vala (Downers Grove North) gives the Illini staff something to build on in a TE room that badly needs future depth. Coach Robby Discher still has work to do in this cycle, but the opportunity is there for Vala (and whoever else joins him) to make an early impact if they stay on the right track and progress well.
Note: Bielema often emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with players, even after tough recruiting losses. In today’s transfer portal era, you never know who might be back on the market from season to season. It may be a no for now, but it could easily turn into a yes down the road.
Sep 7. 2024. Champaign, Illinois. USA. Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Tanner Arkin (85) signals a first down against the Kansas Jayhawks. During the first half at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson. Imagn Images.