Where the top 2025 prospects from Illinois signed

Another recruiting cycle has come and mostly gone and the state of Illinois continues to rise as one of the best states for high school football talent.

The top 10 prospects from the Land of Lincoln in the 2025 class are each blue-chip recruits, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Georgia wide receiver signee Talyn Taylor is the lone five-star in the state.

Of those top 10 players, none signed with a program from the state of Illinois while eight are heading to schools in the Midwest.

Below are where the top 10 prospects from Illinois in the 2025 cycle signed earlier this month:

1. Talyn Taylor — Georgia

School: Geneva Community
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 28 NATL. (No. 5 WR)

Scouting Summary: “While others received more targets over the course of the week, Tayln Taylor made his opportunities count and flashed high-end talent. In an event loaded with top 2025 receivers, Taylor looked to be among the best of the group. The Geneva (Ill.) Geneva Community product is a fluid, natural mover with a high level of coordination. Taylor had an outstanding toe-tapping touchdown grab on Sunday and found the end zone earlier, showing nice route-running ability and spatial awareness.”

2. Iose Epenesa — Iowa

School: Edwardsville
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 43 NATL. (No. 4 DL)

On3 Future Freak: “Iose Epenesa is a powerful, strong athlete who is a standout in the throwing events in track and field along with providing an enforcing presence on the hardwood.” He stands 5-foot-3, 265 pounds and touts 33.25-inch arms, 10.38-inch hand. He took second place in state finals last year with a 189-10.75 foot discus and also owns a 55-4.5 foot shot put.

3. Nate Marshall — Michigan

School: Fenwick
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 59 NATL. (No. 7 DL)

Scouting Summary: “Bendy big man that has unbelievable balance and body control for his stature combined with the power and explosiveness that makes him borderline unblockable at the point of attack. Two-way player that lines up at tight end and wide receiver as well. Measured in at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds during summer campus visits.

“Tested well in agility drills during camp settings. Great weight distribution throughout his frame. Possesses excellent raw power and shock in his hands. Has the ability to rush the passer from the edge if asked to do so. Will develop proper pad level and contact initiation at the next level with collegiate coaching. Has tremendous upside due to frame and athletic tools. Best football is ahead of him.”

4. Christopher Burgess Jr. — Notre Dame

School: Simeon
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 111 NATL. (No. 11 EDGE)

Burgess on his recruitment: “[Simeon head coach Sinque Turner] said, ‘Love whoever loves you, basically,’” Burgess told On3. “Notre Dame has shown me a bunch of love. That’s my favorite type of love. So, after that, I was completely locked in. Nobody could turn me away from Notre Dame.”  

5. Dierre Hill — Oregon

School: Althoff Catholic
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 167 NATL. (No. 12 RB)

Centralia head coach Brad Goewey: “Dierre’s speed and vision make him special,” Goewey told Gatorade last year. “Their success goes directly through him — he is what makes them so dangerous for opposing defenses.”

6. Burke Gautcher — Iowa

School: Sycamore
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 187 NATL. (No. 18 LB)

Analyst’s Take: “Gautcher, who ran a 4.41 forty at Iowa’s camp in June, led Sycamore to an 11-1 record this season. That is the same high school that produced former Hawkeye linebackers Ben and Nick Niemann in recent history.

“As a senior, he had 60 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and one interception on defense. On offense, he finished with 1,884 yards passing with 17 touchdowns through the air and 245 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on the ground this year.”

7. Jaylen Williams — Wisconsin

School: Palatine
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 246 NATL. (No. 20 DL)

Williams on his commitment to Wisconsin: “I always have a really good time when I go back to Madison,” Williams has said in the past. “They just know how to have a good time. The atmosphere is just amazing the whole ‘Jump Around’ stuff is hyped. What excites me the most is just the staff and coaches, they are some of the best people you’ll ever meet.”

8. Carson Cooney — Iowa

School: Oswego
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 290 NATL. (No. 30 LB)

Analyst’s Take: “A hard-hitting 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker, Carson Cooney is bringing his talents to Iowa City in the Class of 2025 and will be enrolling early with the Hawkeyes.

“As a senior, Cooney racked up 67 tackles, three sacks, and scored four defensive touchdowns as he led Oswego High School to a 10-1 record this past season.”

9. Dominik Hulak — Notre Dame

School: Immaculate Conception
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 367 NATL. (No. 36 EDGE)

Dominik Hulak on his recruitment: “The first time I was down there, I could 100% see myself on campus,” Hulak told Blue & Gold. “When we toured the place and walked around, I saw myself there. I loved it there. It was awesome.” 

10. Terrence Smith — Iowa

School: West Aurora
On3 Industry Ranking: No. 381 NATL. (No. 59 WR)

Analyst’s Take: “A multi-sport star in high school, Smith also earned college basketball offers from Bryant and Stony Brook and is an accomplished high jumper with a personal best of 6-foot-5 as a junior.

“As a senior, Smith missed some time with a leg injury, but still had 28 catches for 331 yards and eight touchdowns this year for West Aurora High School.”