Illinois lands commitment from 2026 QB Michael Clayton

Orlando Seminole three-star junior quarterback Michael Clayton has committed to Illinois.

He chose the Fighting Illini over Ole Miss, Nebraska, South Carolina, Louisville, Auburn and Missouri.

Clayton is the nation’s No. 391 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 26 quarterback in the class and the No. 69 recruit from Florida.

Clayton is the first recruit to join Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class.

More on Illinois recruiting

Seventeen recruits are currently committed to the Illini’s 2025 class. Illinois ranks No. 52 in the 2025 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 15 in the Big Ten.

Mt. Zion (Ill.) three-star wide receiver Brayden Trimble ranks No. 492 nationally and is the top prospect in Illinois’ class. He’s joined on offense by the likes of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas running back Cedric Wyche, Arlington Heights (Ill.) John Hersey tight end Logan Farrell and Saint Louis (Mo.) Cardinal Ritter College Prep quarterback Carson Boyd.

On defense, the Illinois class is led by Roseville (Mich.) safety Desmond Straughton and Miami Northwestern safety Tywan Cox.