Illinois
Illinois football recruiting: 19 players Illini targeting on early signing day
Early signing day is here.
Illinois football currently has 19 commitments in its 2025 class but is looking to add more as it tries to solidify another class under fourth-year coach Bret Bielema. Illinois’ 2025 class sits at No. 46 in the nation and No. 15 in the Big Ten Conference per the 247Sports Composite.
All four of Bielema’s recruiting classes have hovered around the top 40 or 50, according to the 247Sports rankings. The decade before Bielema came, just three classes ranked that high, according to Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer, part of the 247Sports umbrella of recruiting experts.
Here are a few players the Illini are still targeting at early signing day, plus a list of players expected to sign:
Illinois football recruiting targets
There are still a few players left uncommitted, according to Werner. Names to know include four-start defensive back Alex Graham of Michigan. The Colorado commit visited Champaign in the fall and experts also point to Michigan or USC.
Other targets appear to be from junior college, according to Werner, including defensive lineman Tyeland Coleman (Mississippi State, Florida State also interested) and offensive lineman Jakheem Shumpert (Mississippi State interested)
Illinois might also add a high school prospect, as well, as the program has done over the last few years. For instance, last year they added Spring Valley Hall defensive back Mac Resetich, who played some key minutes this season.
Illinois’ 2025 class currently ranks No. 49 in the nation per the 247Sports Composite. The Illini are No. 15 in the Big Ten Conference.
Illinois football recruiting class 2025
Illinois has 19 commitments in its 2025 class:
- Brayden Trimble, 6-2, 170, WR, Mt. Zion, Illinois
- Cameron Brooks, 6-3, 270, EDGE, Homewood-Flossmoor, Illinois
- Grant Beerman, 6-4, 220, LB, West Chester, Ohio
- Isaiah White, 6-3, 270, DL, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Andre Lovett, 6-2, 180, S, Blue Island, Illinois
- Tywan Cox, 5-11, 165, CB, Miami, Florida
- Jershaun Newton, 6-0, 205, QB, Clearwater, Florida
- Carson Boyd, 5-10.5, 178, QB, St. Louis, Missouri
- JJ Hirdes, 6-5, 275, OT, Coopersville, Michigan
- Michael McDonough, 6-3, 275, OL, Bolingbrook, Illinois
- Logan Farrell, 6-3, 235, TE, Arlington Heights, Illinois
- Ismael Kante, 6-2, 225, EDGE, Fort Dodge, Iowa
- Desmond Straughton, 6-1, 192, ATH, Roseville, Michigan
- Xanai Scott, 5-10, 180, S, West Palm Beach, Florida
- Robert Jones III, 5-11.5, 165, CB, Vero Beach, Florida
- Cedric Wyche, 5-9.5, 200, RB, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Erik Gayle, 6-3, 215, EDGE, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Griffin Rousseau, 6-7, 305, OT, Stoughton, Wisconsin
- Grant Smith, 6-5, 225, TE, Maroa, Illinois
When is early signing day?
The early signing day period opens Dec. 4 and closes Dec. 6.
When is late signing day?
The late signing day opens Feb. 5 and runs through April 1 for Division I programs.
Illinois
Woman found dead near Schamburg, Illinois shopping center, man in custody
A woman was found dead near a shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois early Tuesday, and a man was taken into police custody.
Around 5:25 a.m., Schaumburg police were called to the 100 block of South Roselle Road. They found a woman dead at the scene.
Police said a man was taken into custody at the scene.
The investigation so far indicates that the incident was domestic, and the man and woman knew each other.
Police said the incident was isolated and there was no threat to the public. But there was a large police presence at the scene, and alternate routes were advised.
Illinois
Illinois officials investigating death connected to Rock Co. homicide
PRINCETON, Ill. (WMTV) – The Illinois State Patrol is investigating a death after officials found a suspect’s vehicle wanted in connection to a Wisconsin homicide, Illinois State Police reported.
Just before 10 p.m. on December 10, ISP troopers and several other agencies attempted to pull a vehicle over in Princeton, Illinois, that was wanted in a Rock County homicide.
Officials did not specify which Rock Co. case this incident is connected to.
Princeton is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Rock County, Wisconsin.
After the driver did not pull over, police chased the vehicle into the Great Sauk Trail Rest Area on I-80 westbound.
When officers went up to the vehicle, authorities stated the driver was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities did not identify the driver.
ISP is working with the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office in this investigation.
Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.
Copyright 2025 WMTV. All rights reserved.
Illinois
Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”
Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.
The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.
-
Washington1 week agoLIVE UPDATES: Mudslide, road closures across Western Washington
-
Iowa1 week agoMatt Campbell reportedly bringing longtime Iowa State staffer to Penn State as 1st hire
-
Iowa2 days agoAddy Brown motivated to step up in Audi Crooks’ absence vs. UNI
-
Iowa3 days agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
Miami, FL1 week agoUrban Meyer, Brady Quinn get in heated exchange during Alabama, Notre Dame, Miami CFP discussion
-
Cleveland, OH1 week agoMan shot, killed at downtown Cleveland nightclub: EMS
-
World1 week ago
Chiefs’ offensive line woes deepen as Wanya Morris exits with knee injury against Texans
-
Minnesota1 week agoTwo Minnesota carriers shut down, idling 200 drivers