Illinois lands in-state linebacker Sean Rice

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

May 15—CHAMPAIGN — Illinois added to its 2027 recruiting class Friday with a fourth in-state commitment.

St. Laurence linebacker Sean Rice became the fourth member of the Illini class with his verbal pledge, joining Evanston cornerback Justin Johnson, Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Mason Halliman and Morton offensive lineman Soren Fifer in a group that now ranks 16th in the Big Ten and 57th nationally, per 247Sports.

Rice is the second commit in the Class of 2027 for Bret Bielema and Co. this week. Fifer picked the Illini on Thursday. That comes on the heels of Halliman's May 9 commitment and Johnson's decision in early March.

Rice, who is ranked as a three-star prospect, earned his Illinois offer last November. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker had other Power Four offers from Indiana, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin. Also involved in his recruitment were Central Michigan, Delaware, New Mexico, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Illinois State and North Dakota.

Rice helped St. Laurence go 8-5 last season. The Vikings reached the Class 6A state semifinals before losing to eventual state runner-up East St. Louis. Rice finished his junior season with 123 tackles (84 solo), nine tackles for loss, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two pass breakups, one sack and one forced fumble. He also scored four touchdowns.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos