Signing Day Central | First NLI has arrived

What was once the biggest day on the recruiting calendar in early February has become less of an event in late December. The early signing period opens today, but it might as well take the "Signing Day" mantle. Most prep prospects will sign now. The regular signing period that opens Feb. 7 isn't what it used to be.

Illinois is expected to sign its 19 committed prospects today, with 16 high school recruits and three junior college players. It's a class that ranks in the bottom third of the expanded, 18-team Big Ten and in the top 45 nationally. 

Good enough for the Illini to be competitive in this new, mega-conference era of college football? We'll see. Follow along all day, as the signed national letters of intent come in (and if there will be any surprises):

Andrew Dennis, OL, Mount Pleasant (Mich.)

First signed NLI has arrived, and it's a big one. The four-star offensive lineman was one of the final additions to the class after a renewed pursuit when he decommitted from Michigan State in the wake of the Spartans' coaching change.

Angelo McCullom, DL, Pickerington North (Ohio)

Defensive line was a point of emphasis with the 2024 class, and McCullom was the first to commit. Multiple trips back to Champaign after his spring pledge turned him into a recruiter.

Demetrius John, DL, Dublin Coffman (Ohio)

The next "Law Firm?" That's Illinois' pitch to defensive linemen after the success of Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph Jr., and it helped land the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Ohio native.

Vernon Woodward III, CB, Winter Park (Fla.)

Illinois dipped into Florida, of course, to fill out its secondary needs in the 2024 recruiting class. Woodward is one of two Sunshine State natives set to join the Illini next season.

Zafir Stewart, OL, Imhotep Institute (Pa.)

The offensive line rebuild continues for Illinois heading into year four of the Bret Bielema era. Stewart, who won a state title this season, gives the Illini another potential building block.

Carlos Orr, WR, Gatlinburg Pittman (Tenn).

There are several wide receivers both on the Illinois roster and part of this class that could be a potential Isaiah Williams replacement in the slot. The 6-4 Orr could fill a role on the outside.

Amar Reynolds, CB, Vero Beach (Fla.)

And there's the second Florida defensive back. Reynolds brings similar length at cornerback that Woodward does and that Illinois has pursued in its last couple recruitings classes (especially last year's with Zach Tobe, Jaheim Clarke and Saboor Karriem).