Mundelein (Ill.) Carmel Catholic quarterback Trae Taylor has been closely watching the growth of the Illinois football program, and it’s clear that the Illini have made a significant impact on him. Over the years, he’s seen the team progress under head coach Bret Bielema, starting from the early stages of a rebuild to now being a contender for the College Football Playoff. With 16 of 22 starters returning next season, Illinois is poised for another strong campaign, which has only increased the program’s appeal in Taylor’s recruitment.
As one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2027, Taylor is a highly sought-after prospect, and Illinois has successfully secured a spot in his top-five schools. Along with the Illini, Michigan, Nebraska, LSU, and Texas A&M are also in the running. Taylor, who plans to announce his college decision on June 6, has been evaluating all of his options carefully, and Illinois’ impressive growth has certainly made an impression on him.
Taylor’s connection to Illinois has deepened as he’s witnessed the team’s rise. What started as a rebuilding phase has transformed into a promising future for the program. This development has been a significant factor in Taylor’s interest, as he values the stability and potential that Illinois offers. His visit to the campus further solidified the connection, and he expressed that Illinois has “really grown on me” throughout the recruiting process.
The Illini’s success on the field has played a major role in attracting high-profile recruits like Taylor. The program’s upward trajectory has been a key selling point, especially given the significant improvements made since Bielema took over. With a solid foundation in place, Illinois is positioning itself to compete at the highest levels of college football, and that has certainly caught the attention of one of the nation’s top young quarterbacks.
As Taylor prepares to make his decision, Illinois remains a strong contender for his commitment. With a June 6 decision date on the horizon, the program will be hoping that the momentum from its recent success will be enough to sway Taylor. With the team’s growth, the return of experienced players, and the potential for even greater accomplishments, Illinois is certainly a program on the rise that could offer Taylor an exciting opportunity for his college career.
