Why Missing Out on Quarterback Trae Taylor Could Be a Blessing for Illinois
Although Illinois missed out on four-star quarterback Trae Taylor, a member of the 2027 class, this may ultimately work out in their favor.
Heading into the 2024 season, the Illinois football program has plenty to be optimistic about. Retention has been a key focus this offseason, and under head coach Bret Bielema, the Illini have been steadily improving. Even a recent recruiting miss could be a blessing in disguise.
Taylor, a standout 6-foot-3, 186-pound quarterback from Carmel Catholic High School in the Chicago suburbs, had garnered national attention after an impressive sophomore season where he threw for over 3,000 yards, earning him a four-star ranking from 247Sports. Illinois was in his final four choices, along with LSU, Texas A&M, and Nebraska. On Thursday, he committed to Nebraska in dramatic fashion, but this decision might actually be beneficial for Illinois.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Elite 2027 QB Trae Taylor has committed to Nebraska🌽
Taylor is the No. 3 QB in the class.
More from @SWiltfong_: https://t.co/xTdFLXp2jS pic.twitter.com/U6WH85O95m
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 1, 2025
While losing out on Taylor might initially seem like a setback, it actually opens the door for the Illini to pursue a quarterback who might be a better fit for Bielema’s system. By not focusing solely on one high-profile prospect early in the recruiting cycle, Illinois now has the flexibility to explore emerging talent and find a quarterback who better aligns with their offensive identity and long-term vision.
This is especially important given the unpredictable nature of recruiting, where players frequently flip schools. Illinois fans have already seen this with cornerback Victor Singleton, who decommitted from the Illini after initially pledging in February, only to switch to Texas A&M in April. If a high-profile quarterback were to commit early and later back out, it could disrupt the momentum Bielema has been building.
With the Illini currently boasting the nation’s ninth-ranked recruiting class for 2026 (according to 247Sports), they are in a strong position to attract top-tier talent—especially players who prioritize development and a tough, no-nonsense culture over hype. Current starting quarterback Luke Altmyer is a prime example of this mindset, having chosen Illinois for its development potential rather than flashy recruiting rankings. It’s possible that their next quarterback could follow a similar path, possibly even through the transfer portal.
Most importantly, Bielema has consistently shown that he doesn’t need five-star recruits to build a successful program. Since 2022, Illinois has had eight top-100 draft picks, despite none of those players arriving as highly ranked recruits.
Bielema’s ability to develop under-recruited players into standouts is one of the program’s strongest assets, and the fact that Illinois was in the running for a prospect like Taylor is another indication of how far the program has come.
In the end, while missing out on Taylor is a minor setback, it also creates an opportunity. With their recent surge in recruiting and a coaching staff focused on player development, Illinois is well-positioned to find the right quarterback for their future. It’s only a matter of time.
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