Kayden Bennett, Connecticut’s top recruit from the class of 2026, has scheduled a visit to Illinois on June 20, but the Illini will face stiff competition in their pursuit of the four-star edge rusher.
Bennett, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound defensive end from Suffield Academy, has received offers from over 10 FBS programs, including several from Power 5 schools. While Illinois is one of the frontrunners, Bennett is also considering other schools, particularly East Coast programs like Syracuse, which shares similar school colors with the Illini. Despite this, Illinois coach Bret Bielema has reason for optimism, as Bennett has made plans for an official visit to Champaign – a move he has yet to schedule with Syracuse.
LOCKED IN!!! Official visit with Illinois can’t wait to make my way back to Champaign June 20th! @SupremeAthlete_ @BrianDohn247 @RivalsFriedman @Recruit2Illini @CoachHarris_33 @alexpanosFB @BretBielema @BigManAcademy1 pic.twitter.com/fnWBcFYnmG
— Kayden Bennett (@Kayden_Bennettt) May 6, 2025
Bennett is rated as a four-star recruit by both ESPN and Rivals. Although Illinois is the only Power 5 school to have lined up an official visit with him so far, they still have plenty of work ahead. Washington is the only other Big Ten school to offer Bennett, but Illinois will also have to contend with ACC schools like Boston College, Wake Forest, and Syracuse in his recruitment.
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