Illinois coach Bret Bielema's 2027 recruiting class has been far from smooth sailing. The Illini thought they had their future quarterback in Utah high schooler Kamden Lopati, but the four-star recruit ultimately decided to decommit from Illinois and go to Michigan.

Fortunately for Illinois' sake, Lopati's decision hasn't stopped major recruits from choosing the Illini. Three-star offensive lineman Mason Halliman (Lincoln Way East / Frankfort, Illinois) on Saturday announced he is coming to Champaign, giving Illinois its second 2027 recruit.

Who is Mason Halliman?

Halliman will be a senior at Illinois high school powerhouse Lincoln-Way East this fall and ultimately picked Illinois over multiple Big Ten programs, most notably Iowa and Michigan.…