Friday night lights: Orange and Blue News on the high school beat
Orange and Blue News is set to cover four high school games featuring Illinois commits in the class of 2026, beginning Saturday afternoon in Chicago to watch two Illini commits clash.
One of the benefits of the merger between Rivals and On3 is the surge in high school sports coverage now available to subscribers. Our network will cover dozens of high school games around the nation as the 2025 season ramps up.
Sat, August 30, 2025 – Downers Grove North @ Morgan Park
Illinois plays its opener on Friday night, allowing us to get on the road to Chicago on Saturday afternoon to watch two Illinois commits in action. Wide receiver Nasir Rankin leads Morgan Park into the season against DNN and tight end Will Vala.
Fri, September 26, 20025 – Belleville West @ East St. Louis
Illinois got a big commitment in June from Belleville West cornerback Nick Hankins. His travels a few miles away for a clash with perennial power East St. Louis.
The Flyers are loaded again, entering the season at the No. 17 team in the nation in the Rivals composite national rankings. East St. Louis four-star athlete Myson Johnson-Cook is back in Illinois after a season at Desoto, Texas and he is a top target for the Illini in the class of 2017. Illinois also offered four-star cornerback Raheem Floyd, the No. 194 prospect in the nation.
Fri, October 3, 2025 – Brother Rice @ Mt. Carmel
Chicago Brother Rice defensive lineman King Liggins committed to the Illini back in May. He is the No. 20 prospect in the state of Illinois in the Rivals Industry rankings.
The game is one of the top matchups in the nation the weekend of October 3, with Brother Rice checking in at No. 171 in the Rivals national rankings and Mt. Carmel ranked No. 101.
The Caravan roles out one its top teams in recent years. Illinois is heavily involved with four-star linebacker Roman Igwebuike. Two other four-star prospects, wide receiver Quentin Burrell and safety Tavares Harrington, both hold Illinois offers.
Fri, October 17 – Kirkwood (MO) @ Ladue Horton Watkins
Illinois has ramped up its recruiting efforts in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Illinois has a bye the weekend of October 18. Orange and Blue News takes a trip to the Lou to watch three-star athlete commit Jacob Eberhart in action for Kirkwood.
