Illinois football has made a major splash in the 2026 recruiting cycle, flipping five-star edge rusher from Oklahoma State following his official visit to Champaign. The Pearland (Texas) standout had been pledged to the Cowboys since February and had taken an official visit to Stillwater in late April before ultimately deciding to join Bret Bielema’s Illini program.
Stewart, who held a long list of Power Four offers including USC, Auburn, Utah, Arizona, Baylor, and Pittsburgh, is a high-level athlete with serious upside. Originally ranked as the No. 75 edge rusher and No. 599 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite, Stewart’s rise in national attention and performance has boosted him into five-star territory. He becomes Illinois’ 19th commitment in the Class of 2026.
Linebackers coach Archie McDaniel spearheaded the Illini’s efforts to land Stewart, marking yet another significant recruiting victory for Illinois in a class already defined by high-profile flips. Stewart joins other standout commitments such as five-star linebacker Grant Beerman, five-star defensive back RJ Jones III, five-star running back John Forster, five-star tight end Logan Farrell, and five-star outside linebacker Erik Gayle—all former pledges to other major Power Four programs.
Why it Matters:
Landing a player of Stewart’s caliber, especially from a long-tenured head coach like Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, is a testament to Illinois’ growing national appeal and recruiting momentum. Stewart’s flip reinforces the staff’s growing presence in Texas, led by McDaniel and wide receivers coach Justin Stepp.
Fit in the Program:
On the field, Stewart is an explosive and athletic edge defender who tallied 52 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks as a junior. Also contributing as a running back, his versatility underscores his dynamic athletic profile. He projects as a FOX outside linebacker, bringing twitch, arm length, and closing speed. While he’ll need to bulk up to hold the edge in Big Ten play, his first-step quickness and natural bend give him a high ceiling.
Stewart, along with fellow Texas native Kaedyn Cobbs, represents a growing Texas-to-Illinois recruiting pipeline. Both could be among the first Lone Star State preps to sign with the Illini under Bielema, signaling a significant recruiting shift.
Leave a Reply