While the Illinois football program has been actively pursuing several high-profile recruits, two names in particular stood out as major targets. On Thursday night, one of those key prospects made his decision.
Per Hayes Fawcett of On3.com, four-star tight end Mack Sutter has committed to Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Illinois. In his announcement, Sutter declared, “T-town let’s do ittt. ROLL TIDE!”
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end from Dunlap High School in Illinois is ranked as the No. 80 overall player in the 2026 class, the No. 6 tight end nationally, and the top prospect in Illinois. He had been a priority for the Illini for quite some time.
Sutter’s commitment doesn’t come as much of a shock. Despite being listed among four finalists, Alabama had long been seen as the frontrunner thanks to its dominant football culture and unmatched resources.
With Sutter off the board, Illinois now turns its full attention to another tight end target, JC Anderson. Anderson has been a top priority for the staff, but recent predictions from 247Sports have him leaning toward Ole Miss, with a 7-out-of-10 confidence level.
Illinois still boasts a strong 2026 recruiting class, currently ranked in the top 15 nationally. However, losing two elite in-state tight ends — both top 150 players — would be a tough blow. All eyes now turn to Anderson’s upcoming decision on July 1.
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