2026 4-star ATH Cam Thomas commits to Illinois: 'I am going into a great program'

West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West linebacker Cam Thomas has committed to Illinois. Thomas named Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Oregon, West Virginia and Illinois as his top schools late in November, but over the last couple of months, the Illini has risen to the top.

“It has a lot of things that I like,” Thomas told On3 about his commitment. “They are a great school in Business and Finance. That was important because that is the field I want to go into. I like the vibe around the campus too. It is beautiful. I feel comfortable with the coaches, my family likes the staff and I see a great chance to compete for playing time.”

Getting on the field early is important to Thomas. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound linebacker not only sees a chance to compete right away, but he could play alongside a former teammate.

“Grant Beerman signed with Illinois, and it was really when he committed to them that I started looking harder at Illinois. It would be cool to play beside him again and I like the plan they laid out for me. I like how Illinois puts its roster together. They recruit well and I like the fit at linebacker. I know what they want me to do in their defense, so that fits me as well.”

Illinois finished the 2024 season 10-3 after a 21-17 win over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. The No. 244 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking is excited about what he is going into and who he will get to play for.

“The first thing is, I know coach B (Bret Bielema) is going to be there,” Thomas said. “He is not going anywhere and they are doing a great job. I am going into a great program.

“Coach B has coached some great players. Dre Greenlaw played for him. We have talked about development, so I love that. I have a great relationship with coach (Archie) McDaniel too. I like the fit for me with those guys.

“They have recruited me for a long time, when they got Grant committed, they turned it up to another level and Illinois is a great situation for me.”