The University of Illinois made a significant addition to its 2026 recruiting class last week by landing a commitment from tight end Will Vala. A three-star prospect out of Downers Grove North High School in Illinois, Vala had drawn increasing attention throughout the spring. His commitment helps fill one of the Illini’s key remaining needs in the upcoming class.
Vala chose Illinois over several notable programs, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Louisville, Kentucky, and Purdue. He also held offers from a number of Group of Five schools. Despite the competition, Illinois stood out early in the recruiting process as the first Power Four school to offer him a scholarship — a move that ultimately played a major role in his decision.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Vala is listed as the No. 1020 overall player in the Class of 2026 and the No. 24 prospect in the state of Illinois. His recruitment picked up significant momentum in recent months, with coaches and scouts drawn to his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility at the tight end position.
Downers Grove North head coach Joe Horeni spoke highly of Vala’s skill set when asked about his commitment. “Will is the kind of guy who really checks all the boxes for a tight end,” Horeni said. “He can block, catch, and line up in different formations — he’s the type of player who does everything you want at that position.”
Vala’s commitment is viewed as a strong pickup for the Illini, who continue to build their 2026 class with a focus on athleticism and positional flexibility. With his well-rounded abilities and strong work ethic, Vala has the potential to contribute early in his college career and develop into a key part of the Illinois offense.
