High-upside 2026 QB Michael Clayton officially signs with Illinois

Six-foot-four, 200-pound quarterback Michael Clayton signed with Illinois on Wednesday.

The three-star-rated signal-caller committed to the Illini about a month ago and believes in what’s being built in Champagne with head coach Bret Bielema, offensive coordinator Barry Lunney, and co-quarterbacks coach Artur Sitkowski.

“Coach Lunny, Coach Art, and Coach Bieliema, those three recruited me harder than any other program,” Clayton said. “There were definitely some other programs I loved as well, but the Illinois system, I feel like I fit in very well. The upward trajectory of their program is very exciting.”

The relationship with Illinois and Clayton started when Sitkowski visited his former school, Seminole.

“Coach Art, when I was at Seminole, came to my school. He had me throw for him in a private workout. They evaluated my tape and said they loved me. From then on, they’ve just been recruiting me heavily. It took some time, but I finally started falling in love with their school and what they’re about. I think it’s a really exciting program to be in. I’m really excited to get there and get to work.”

Clayton transferred from Seminole to Miami Edison for his senior season to raise the level of competition he faced.

“Having the ability to level up, Miami has some of the best football in Florida, so going against the best competition is a big thing for me, getting ready for college. I definitely sought out Edison. Checked out some spots. Just found that to be my home.”

Clayton took his lone official visit to Illinois in June, but visited the campus about six times prior.

“What was eye-opening was just seeing how the commits were bonding and how we all came together,” Clayton said about his OV. “It brought a lot of excitement to me to know that these are the guys I’m going to be with for the next three to four years.”

Auburn, Louisville, Miami, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and SMU were involved in Clayton’s recruitment. Still, he made it clear to those contenders that his recruitment was shut down after committing to the Illini. Clayton is looking to bring a true gun-slinger mentality to Illinois.

“I’m a true gun-slinger for sure. Someone who can spread the ball around and air it out. I’m a very competitive guy ready to compete.”