Illinois up to baker's dozen Class of 2027 commits

Illinois reached 13 commitments for the Class of 2027 as it broadened recruiting ties in Texas while emphasizing in-state talent. A Sunday pledge from Oak Forest kicker Ulysses Morales was followed by Monday’s commitment from Southlake Carroll wide receiver Brody Knowles, taking the Illini to 13 total recruits. According to 247Sports, the class remains last in the Big Ten, with an average star rating ranked 14th among the league’s 18 teams. Knowles, listed at 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, produced breakout numbers over the past two seasons, including 37 catches for 539 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, then 36 receptions for 816 yards and seven scores last fall. He helped Southlake Carroll go 14-1 before a UIL Class 6A Division II semifinal upset by DeSoto. Morales, 6-foot and 170 pounds, is unranked by 247Sports and Kohl’s Kicking but is rated No. 7 kicker by Chris Sailer Kicking.