IL 27: Small-School Seniors Ready for the Spotlight

Eric Bergman June 23, 2026 @ 11:15 AM

Every year, some of Illinois' best senior seasons come from players outside of the state's biggest programs. These prospects may not get the same attention as players from larger schools, but they have the opportunity to make plenty of noise this fall.   Beau Chance | 6-0, 166 pounds | QB | Auburn Chance enters his senior season as one of the quarterbacks to watch in central Illinois. He has shown the ability to lead an offense and will have every opportunity to put together a productive final season.   Marcus Leitzen | 6-0, 213 pounds | RB | Johnston City Leitzen brings a physical running style and the size to be an every-down back. His combination of strength and athleticism makes him a difficult player to bring down in open space.   Jacob Brannan | 6-1, 191 pounds | RB | Calhoun Brannan is another prospect capable of making an impact on both sides of the football. He plays with toughness and has the versatility that coaches value in small-school programs.   Aiden King | 6-1, 219 pounds | OL | Fairfield King has developed into a solid presence in the trenches. His size and physicality should make him one of the key pieces for Fairfield throughout the season.   Kaden Wedig | 6-1, 189 pounds | WR | St. Joseph-Ogden Wedig has the frame and athleticism to create matchup problems on the outside. He's a player who could see his production take a significant jump during his senior year.   Lane McAnally | 5-11, 140 pounds | QB | Porta McAnally is a name worth monitoring as the season unfolds. Quarterbacks at smaller schools often put up impressive numbers, and he'll have the chance to lead the Bluejays' offense this fall.

Every year, some of Illinois' best senior seasons come from players outside of the state's biggest programs. These prospects may not get the same attention as players from larger schools, but they have the opportunity to make plenty of noise this fall.