Three-star linebacker Anthony James Jr. picks Illinois

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Jun. 15—CHAMPAIGN — Illinois' important June on the recruiting trail continued to produce during another official visit weekend.

Class of 2027 linebacker Anthony James Jr. committed to Illinois on Saturday night while on his visit. James is the ninth total commit in the class for the Illini and fifth this month.

James is ranked as a three-star recruit out of La Marque (Texas). The 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker was an integral part of the Cougars' defense last fall. James racked up 134 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, three sacks, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one pass breakup during a standout junior year. La Marque finished the 2025 season 10-3, reaching the third round of the UIL Class 4A Division II playoffs.

Illinois offered James in early April with outside linebackers coach Archie McDaniel the lead recruiter. James, who is ranked as a top 200 prospect in Texas by 247Sports, ultimately picked the Illini from a group of Power Four offers that also included Baylor, Colorado, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Pittsburgh, UCF and Wake Forest. More than a dozen other Group of Five and FCS programs were also involved.

The commitment from James did not move Illinois from its spot at 18th among Big Ten teams, according to 247Sports. The Illini's 2027 recruiting class also ranks 60th nationally.

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