While Georgia, Texas, and Florida often get the spotlight as the hotbed for high school football talent, it’s a mistake to disregard high school football players in Illinois. With the Illinois High School Association presiding over eight football classes, there’s no shortage of players who can transition to college football.

As Illinois’ 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes merit attention from powerhouse college football institutions, here are the 25 athletes who have stamped their imprint as the best from ‘The Prairie State.’ The On3 Industry Ranking, the average of the four major recruiting media companies, determined this Top 25 rankings.

1. DL Iose Epenesa – 95.37

The Iowa Hawkeyes will get a top-notch edge rusher in Epenesa, hailed as a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American in 2022 after tallying 56 tackles, six sacks, and a fumble recovery. A.J. Epenesa’s younger brother also lined up as a tight end for the Edwardsville Tigers, a facet of his versatile talent the Hawkeyes could explore.

2. WR Talyn Taylor – 94.97

Taylor will take his talents to the Georgia Bulldogs after finishing his time with Geneva Community. The four-star recruit ranks 50^th among the 2025 recruiting class and ninth within his position. While injuries derailed his final year with the Vikings, he still finished with 32 receptions for 512 yards and six touchdowns.

3. DL Nathaniel Marshall – 94.25

Marshall was a two-way player for the Fenwick Friars, as proven by his four touchdown receptions on offense. However, he made his mark on defense after posting 38 tackles, six sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles. Those numbers earned him Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. While basketball was an option, he’s now firmly into football as he commits to the Auburn Tigers.

4. EDGE Christopher Burgess – 92.99

Burgess gives the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a versatile defensive presence. While he was primarily an edge rusher for the Simeon Wolverines, he also lined up in various spots around the defensive line. He finished his 2023 season with 36 tackles, 13 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

5. QB Jonas Williams (2026) – 92.16

In 2024, Williams will showcase his playmaking abilities for the Lincoln Way-East Griffons. Last year, the four-star recruit compiled 3,196 passing yards and 33 touchdowns for Bolingbrook. Williams’ best football is ahead as he commits to the Oregon Ducks.

6. DL McHale Blade (2026) – 92.16

Blade is ranked 96^th among all prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. His disruptive presence ranks him 11^th on the defensive line and second among interior defensive linemen. This four-star recruit from the Simeon Wolverines is getting interest from several college football teams, including Purdue, Illinois, and Notre Dame.

7. TE Mack Sutter (2026) – 92.04

While Sutter primarily plays as a tight end for the Dunlap Eagles, he had an interception return for a touchdown during their August 2024 game against Galesburg. The four-star recruit is getting interest from Power Four teams like Ole Miss, Auburn, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

8. RB Dierre Hill – 91.88

Hill ranks sixth among running backs in the 2025 recruiting class. The running back for the Althoff Catholic Crusaders had a breakout 2023 season, tallying 1,788 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. He also lined up on defense, finishing with 32 tackles and three interceptions. Hill committed to the Oregon Ducks in May 2024.

9. TE JC Anderson (2026) – 91.66

The tight end for the Mt. Zion Braves is the sixth-best prospect at his position for the 2026 recruiting class. College football powerhouses like Notre Dame, Iowa, and Michigan could use his 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame to dominate the trenches.

10. EDGE Braeden Jones (2026) – 91.38

Jones is a light-footed edge rusher who uses an impressive combination of power and agility to win battles at the line of scrimmage. He will be an elite asset for Notre Dame, which is predicted to have received his commitment after completing his time with the Mt. Carmel Caravan.

Top 11-25 High School Football Players in Illinois

11. DL Jaylen Williams – 90.97
12. DL Gabe Hill (2026) – 89.64
13. WR Terrence Smith – 89.49
14. LB Burke Gautcher – 89.27
15. DL Joseph Reiff – 89.25
16. SAF Charles Bass – 89.17
17. EDGE Dominik Hulak – 89.14
18. LB Carson Cooney – 88.89
19. WR Brayden Trimble – 88.41
20. EDGE Gabe Kaminski – 87.97
21. LB Christian Pierce – 87.97
22. DL Jason Dowell – 87.97
23. ATH Nasir Rankin (2026) – 87.61
24. TE Logan Farrell – 87.16
25. ATH Jovan Clark – 86.95

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