Who is Illinois targeting in the Class of 2027?

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May 13—Two commitments means there's still work to be done for Illinois coach Bret Bielema in the Class of 2027. Beat writer Scott Richey spotlights 10 prospects the Illini could still land:

Trezavant Boyd Miami Central (Fla.) 5-10, 150, Cornerback

Some slight cornerbacks out of the state of Florida — Devon Witherspoon being the most notable — have thrived in Champaign. Boyd obviously fits that mold, but it hasn't stopped the south Florida native from earning multiple power-conference offers. Florida State and UCF are also seen as contenders in his recruitment.

Darryl Flemister Martin Luther King Jr. (Mich.) 6-0, 160, Athlete

Flemister has played multiple positions during his career at King, including quarterback and wide receiver the past two seasons, but he'll like wind up in the secondary at the next level. The three-star athlete took an unofficial visit to Illinois in early April and will be back in June for an official before his July 4 commitment date.

Reed Gerken Perrysburg (Ohio) 6-5, 290, Offensive tackle

The Illini landed in the top four for Gerken along with Virginia Tech, Wisconsin and Kentucky ahead of his planned June 22 commitment. That decision will come after official visits to all four campuses, including a trip to Champaign the weekend of June 12. Gerken helped Perrysburg go 9-3 last fall.

Anthony James La Marque (Texas) 6-2, 200, Linebacker

Archie McDaniel has successfully tapped the state of Texas for talent since arriving in Champaign, and the Illinois outside linebackers coach is the lead recruiter for James. The Le Marque linebacker was seriously productive for the Cougars last fall with 134 tackles and 24 tackles for loss.

Brody Knowles Southlake Carroll (Texas) 6-5, 190, Wide receiver

Knowles has proven his worth as a big target in the Southlake Carroll passing game the past two seasons. After a breakout sophomore season in 2024 with 37 catches for 539 yards and eight touchdowns, he became an even bigger big-play threat last fall with 36 catches for 816 yards and seven touchdowns.

Bennett Konkey Geneva 6-1, 180, Wide receiver

Konkey's recruitment didn't take off until April 30 when Duke was the first to get involved, but less than two weeks later, he's already at a baker's dozen scholarship offers. That he's the current top sprinter in the state of Illinois certainly helps, but he did catch 41 passes for 739 yards and nine touchdowns last fall.

TJ Lewis Bolingbrook 6-0, 215, Running back

Illinois got in the mix with the No. 3 running back in the state in February and hosted him for an official visit last month. Reigning College Football Playoff champion Indiana is also involved with Lewis, who rushed 227 times for 1,784 yards and 21 touchdowns last season for the Raiders.

Brayden Parks Brother Rice 6-3, 305, Defensive line

Competition is stiff for Parks. The Brother Rice standout is a four-star recruit and ranks as the No. 6 overall prospect and No. 130 overall nationally in the Class of 2027, according to 247Sports. Programs also in pursuit include Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee and Notre Dame.

Owen Roberts York 6-5, 230, Edge

The Illinois defensive staff was out in force this week for Roberts, with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, defensive line coach Jordan Thomas and inside linebackers coach Roger Cooper making an in-home visit. The in-state three-star had 61 tackles and 14 tackles for loss last year for the Dukes.

Dane Weber Chaparral (Calif.) 6-1, 220, Quarterback

Kamden Lopati flipping from Illinois to Michigan put Bret Bielema and Co. back in the hunt for a quarterback in the Class of 2027 and led to a late April offer for Weber. The dual-threat quarterback passed for 3,654 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Pumas in 2025 while rushing for 668 yards and 14 more touchdowns.

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