Illinois Football Extends Offer to Texas Junior Linebacker Dewayne Ingram
Dewayne Ingram, a versatile linebacker from Texas, officially received his first Power 4 offer from Illinois on Thursday. A rising junior from Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland, Texas, Ingram, part of the 2027 class, previously had offers from Colorado State, UNLV, and Sacramento State.
At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Ingram is projected to play inside linebacker at the collegiate level, though during his sophomore year, he showcased his versatility by playing various positions, including inside and outside linebacker, safety, and even wide receiver on offense.
While Ingram still has plenty of time to make his college decision, the Illini’s offer puts them in an early position of strength, as it stands as his only Power 4 offer. The next step for head coach Bret Bielema and his staff will be to bring Ingram to campus and make their case.
Despite the 2027 recruiting class seeming distant, Illinois already has a commitment from quarterback Kamden Lopati for that year. The Illini are also competing for top recruits, including four-star prospects Quentin Burrell, Tavares Harrington, and Roman Igwebuike (all from Chicago’s Mount Carmel) as well as Brock Williams from Libertyville.
A successful 2025 season, potentially capped off with another bowl win, could significantly strengthen Illinois’ 2027 class. Bielema’s 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked in the top 25 and includes notable four-star wide receiver Nasir Rankin from Chicago’s Morgan Park.
Under Bielema, Illinois has started to draw more four-star recruits, something the program hadn’t seen much of before his arrival. To maintain this momentum and continue attracting high-caliber recruits, the Illini will need consistent 10-win seasons, major bowl game appearances, and to remain a fixture in the top 25 rankings. While NIL deals play a role, recruits also prioritize schools with a winning tradition and strong academic offerings—areas where Illinois is gradually gaining traction. Sustaining this success will be crucial for future recruiting efforts.
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