It is hard for the Illinois football program to keep up with a team like Alabama or Ohio State because of funding.
The Illini don’t have a treasure trove of dollars to throw at recruits. We are a basketball-first organization, while the football team can still eat with some solid revenue.
Getting top recruits in the country can be tough at times. Bret Bielema has done a great job of this thus far, and now Illinois has a chance at one of the best, if not the best, players in the class of 2027.