Illinois Football Gains Major Recruiting Momentum for Top Safety

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Illini’s recruiting efforts this offseason. Bret Bielema has given us a strong start for the class of 2025, with more exciting developments likely in the coming weeks.

Currently, Illinois boasts the No. 44 ranked class in the nation with nine commitments. The highest-rated recruit so far is wide receiver Brayden Trimble. Impressively, eight out of the nine recruits are ranked within the top 1000.

Illinois is also aiming to secure another top 1000 recruit soon. On Saturday, the team extended a scholarship offer to Desmond Straughton. Since then, his recruitment has rapidly gained momentum.

Super excited and blessed to be taking an official this upcoming weekend 🔥 @CoachSnowden @CoachCParker @DreBrownILL @AaronHenry7 #FamiLLy#ILL pic.twitter.com/oHhDlGQNkM

— Desmond Straughton 3 Star ⭐️ (@DesStraughton) June 17, 2024

On the same day, four different experts from 247Sports submitted Crystal Ball Predictions, all forecasting that Straughton will commit to the Illini.

Straughton announced on social media on Monday that he plans to take an official visit to Champaign this weekend.

This recruitment is moving quickly, and Illinois appears to have significant momentum. Securing Straughton would be a major commitment for the team.

Straughton, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound safety from Roseville High School in Michigan, is rated as a three-star recruit, ranked No. 692 in the class of 2025, No. 54 safety nationally, and No. 12 player in Michigan.

Illinois football aims to strengthen the secondary for defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. The secondary faced challenges last season due to key players leaving for the NFL.

However, improvements are expected in 2024, with several strong additions already made. For the class of 2025, the Illini have added two safeties: Andre Lovett, a top 700 recruit from Illinois, and Xanai Scott, an underrated recruit from Florida.

With two commitments from the secondary already, adding Straughton would further bolster the team’s depth.

Expect Illinois to possibly expand their roster in the coming week. Straughton would be a valuable addition, likely contributing significantly in the future.