Illinois Football Lands Three-Star Edge Rusher Jaylen Stewart in Class of 2026 Flip
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- Illinois Football Lands Three-Star Edge Rusher Jaylen Stewart in Class of 2026 Flip
football secures a major win, flipping three-star edge rusher Jaylen Stewart from Oklahoma State. Find out how this Texas talent enhances the Illini's 2026 class.">
Champaign, IL – The Illinois Fighting Illini have scored a significant recruiting victory, securing a commitment from three-star edge rusher Jaylen Stewart in the Class of 2026.stewart, a standout player from Pearland, Texas, flipped his commitment from Oklahoma State after an official visit to the University of Illinois campus. This marks the first flip for Illinois in the 2026 recruiting cycle and underscores the program’s growing appeal under Head Coach Bret Bielema.
Jaylen Stewart: A Prized Recruit
Jaylen Stewart is considered a promising talent, holding offers from several Power four programs, including Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, baylor, Houston, Kansas, Pittsburgh, SMU, USC, and utah. [1] According to 247Sports, Stewart is ranked as the No. 75 edge rusher in the Class of 2026 and the No. 131 prospect in the state of Texas. The 247Sports Composite rankings place him as the no. 599 overall prospect in the class.
Did You Know? The average college football team has 125 players, including scholarship and walk-on athletes.
The Impact of the Flip
Stewart’s decision to join Illinois is a testament to the program’s rising profile and the coaching staff’s recruiting efforts. Illinois linebackers coach archie McDaniel spearheaded the Illini’s pursuit of stewart. This commitment brings the Illini’s total to 19 for the Class of 2026.
Illinois has been prosperous in flipping prospects committed to other programs,including four-star LB Grant Beerman,three-star DB RJ Jones III,RB John Forster,Logan Farrell,and three-star OLB Plum Gayle. securing Stewart, who was previously committed to Oklahoma State under the long-tenured coach Mike Gundy, highlights the Illini’s increased “Q rating” and the stability Bielema has brought to the program.
How Stewart Fits into the Illini Defense
During his junior year, Stewart recorded 52 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, and 6.0 sacks. His athleticism extends to the offensive side of the ball, where he also plays running back. Stewart’s skill set is comparable to that of current Illini freshman Erik Gayle, possessing good arm length and closing speed as a FOX outside linebacker. While he needs to add strength to excel in the Big Ten,his explosive first step and play strength make him a valuable addition to the Illini defense.
Pro Tip: College football teams often use a “redshirt” year to allow freshmen to develop without using a year of eligibility.
Landing Stewart also signifies Illinois’ growing presence in Texas recruiting, led by McDaniel and wide receivers coach Justin Stepp. Stewart and three-star linebacker prospect Kaedyn Cobbs, who committed to Illinois in february, are poised to become the first Texas prep prospects to sign with Illinois under Bielema.
Class of 2026 Commitment Summary
| Player Name | Position | Hometown | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Stewart | Edge Rusher | Pearland, TX | Three-Star |
| Grant Beerman | Linebacker | TBA | Four-Star |
| RJ Jones III | Defensive back | TBA | Three-Star |
| John Forster | Running Back | TBA | Three-Star |
| Logan Farrell | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Plum Gayle | Outside Linebacker | TBA | Three-Star |
| Kaedyn Cobbs | Linebacker | TBA | Three-Star |
The State of Illinois football
Illinois, a US state in the midwest, became a state in 1818 [3]. The Illini football program has a rich history, with peaks and valleys throughout the decades. Under Bret Bielema, the program aims to establish sustained success and compete consistently in the big Ten Conference. Recruiting talented players like Jaylen Stewart is crucial to achieving these goals. the Art Institute of Chicago and Millenium Park are popular attractions in Illinois [2].
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Football Recruiting
What is an “edge rusher” in football?
An edge rusher is a defensive player whose primary role is to pressure the opposing quarterback by rushing from the edge of the defensive line.
What does it mean for a player to “flip” their commitment?
When a player “flips” their commitment, it means they initially committed to play for one school but later changed their decision and committed to a different school.
How important is recruiting in college football?
Recruiting is extremely important in college football, as it determines the talent level of the team and its ability to compete for championships.
What is the Big Ten Conference?
The Big Ten Conference is one of the premier college athletic conferences in the United States, comprising major universities primarily located in the Midwest.
How can I stay updated on Illinois Fighting Illini football news?
You can stay updated by visiting world-today-news.com for the latest articles, scores, and analysis.
What impact do you think Jaylen Stewart will have on the Illini defense? How will this affect the team’s performance in the upcoming season?
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