Two Four-Star Tight Ends from Illinois Make Official Visits to Champaign
Highly touted Class of 2026 tight end prospects Mack Sutter and JC Anderson took official visits to Illinois over the weekend, signaling strong interest in Bret Bielema’s growing program.
#ILL #OVseason @jcanderson34 pic.twitter.com/yuZc1ctnbE
— Mack Sutter (@M4ckSutter) April 11, 2025
Sutter, from Dunlap, and Anderson, out of Mt. Zion, are both four-star recruits according to On3, and each holds multiple offers from top-tier programs. Their trip to Champaign reflects Illinois’ continued focus on locking down in-state talent.
Standing 6-foot-5½ and weighing 225 pounds, Sutter is ranked as the No. 6 tight end nationally by On3. His top schools include Alabama, Penn State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Illinois. In a strategic move to strengthen their pitch, the Illini recently extended an offer to Sutter’s younger brother Bo, a member of the Class of 2028.
Couldn’t have asked for a better weekend from @IlliniFootball. Had an AMAZING time!!!!!! Set the standard high👀👀#ILL pic.twitter.com/8SvXUgqLLu
— Mack Sutter (@M4ckSutter) April 13, 2025
Anderson, listed at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, is rated just behind Sutter as the No. 7 tight end in the country. A dominant two-way player, he earned all-state honors at tight end and first-team all-conference recognition at defensive end during his junior season. His top 10 schools include Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State, with Illinois still in the mix.
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. frequently utilizes 12 personnel (two-tight end sets), which could make both players ideal schematic fits. Their blend of size, power, and pass-catching ability would bolster both the run game and aerial attack.
The #FamILLY showed MAJOR love this weekend, thank you @IlliniFootball for everything
🔹🔸 @RobbyDischer @BretBielema pic.twitter.com/H7XaNzJm5r— JC Anderson (@jcanderson34) April 13, 2025
Under Bielema’s leadership, Illinois has transitioned from a Big Ten afterthought to a program with playoff aspirations. A key factor has been successful in-state recruiting, landing talent like Malik Elzy, Matthew Bailey, and Aidan Laughery—players expected to make major contributions next season.
Securing commitments from both Sutter and Anderson would be a major win for Illinois, reinforcing its growing presence in Big Ten recruiting battles and helping build a roster capable of national relevance.
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