High School Football
Farrell originally committed to North Carolina but switched to Illinois. The Fighting Illini coaches stuck with him throughout his injury recovery, something he won’t forget.
The coveted prospect said coach Deion Sanders was a big factor in his decision.
Bret Bielema landed two marquee prospects in the span of an hour Wednesday.
The Cornhuskers got the nod over Illinois, LSU and Texas A&M.
Balanganayi is the newest member of Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class and the third in-state commit in this cycle.
Edge rusher Joey Quinn, a key member of Mount Carmel’s Class 7A championship team last fall, has committed to Vanderbilt, while defensive lineman Daniel Howard of Lane has picked Iowa State.
Massel quarterbacked York to the first state final in program history last fall, but as college interest remained lukewarm, he worked on a Plan B.
Cichowski’s teams went 144-47 in 20 seasons with nine IHSA playoff berths in an era where the postseason field was much smaller than today.
Roosevelt, which last played a football game in 2022, has hired Anthony Dotson as head coach and will be back on the field this fall.
A look at the Public League conference setup for the upcoming football season.
Williams accounted for 3,326 total yards and 49 touchdowns in his first season at Lincoln-Way East after transferring from Bolingbrook, leading the Griffins to a 12-1 record and Class 8A semifinal berth.
Schrieber helped anchor a line that paved the way for Marist to go from 4-5 in 2023 to 9-2 last season.
Paris is one of five area players in Illinois’ 22-member 2025 class, joining Homewood-Flossmoor edge rusher Cameron Brooks, Eisenhower safety Andre Lovett, Andrew offensive lineman Michael McDonough and Hersey tight end Logan Farrell.
Illinois picks up a recruit, and Evanston and St. Laurence find new coaches.
Stewart can make a case as the state’s premier multi-sport athlete. Also a sprinter in track, he’s the state’s most productive running back and is a defending state champ in wrestling.
McAllister proved to be one of the state’s best coaches in his 11 years at Phillips.
Bell initially committed to Ball State. A coaching change there prompted him to reopen his recruiting and he found an ideal landing spot, committing to CFP qualifier Indiana on Christmas Day.
Zbikowski graduated from Buffalo Grove and was an All-American at Notre Dame. He went on to play in the NFL with the Bears, Colts and Ravens.
DeFranza succeeds Mike Hennessey, who retired earlier this month after 38 seasons and 205 wins
