The Illinois football team is trying to not only keep the class of 2026 intact, but we are also trying to add a few pieces down the home stretch.
As of right now, the Illini sit with the No. 26 class in the country for 2026. This class includes 25 commitments, with the latest pledge being from offensive lineman Alfred Washington.
Washington is coming from the junior college (JUCO) ranks. He should be an instant help to the Illinois offensive line. Now, Bret Bielema has his eyes set on another massive JUCO offensive lineman.
On Tuesday, Mike Roach of 247Sports broke the news that TJ Taylor has cut his list down to just five teams. The five programs to make his top list included SMU, North Carolina State, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Illinois.
NEW: JUCO OT TJ Taylor is down to five programs with a decision around the corner. More on the massive prospect from Santa Clarita (Calif.) College of the Canyons https://t.co/BAil8A7u8e pic.twitter.com/HJecNsyRk7
— Mike Roach (@MikeRoach247) November 19, 2025
Taylor is a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle from the College of the Canyons in California. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 5 JUCO player in the class of 2026. He is also the No. 2 JUCO offensive tackle in the country and the No. 2 JUCO player coming out of California.
Bret Bielema could be ahead of schedule when it comes to the Illinois football offensive line
I have mentioned this before, but I think the only team that I believe Illinois has to worry about in the Taylor recruitment is North Carolina. He takes an official visit to Chapel Hill this weekend. If we can avoid a bag being dropped in his lap, then I think the Illini can win this one.
Bielema knows the urgency of the offensive line. We aren’t great on the offensive line as it is, and we are losing four starters after the 2025 campaign.
Illinois is way ahead of schedule when it comes to replacing the offensive line talent, too. Washington was a great get, and I think he could start next season.
The Illini were also able to land Kai Pritchard, a four-star interior offensive lineman. He could see plenty of snaps in year one. We also have multiple other top 700 offensive linemen coming into the program.
This is all before the real transfer portal season starts. Bielema is gearing up for a big offseason. Adding as many offensive linemen as possible is going to be the key to getting to the College Football Playoff next season.