If there's one thing we've learned this offseason about Illinois football coach Bret Bielema, it's that he's not afraid to take a shot on a junior college recruit, regardless of how high or low they may be ranked. And that was the case again Wednesday when the Illini signed tight end Benjamin Thurman out of the College of San Mateo (California).

Welcome to the FamILLy, @BEN10BJ pic.twitter.com/JghVLLOuhb

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) May 13, 2026

Illinois' JUCO pipeline continues to grow

Thurman is the fifth junior college recruit in Bielema's 2026 recruiting class and only the second tight end among Illinois' incoming group.…