Monday, On3 released its way-too-early College Football Playoff pairings, wisely including the Illini alongside fellow Big

Illinois football continues its productive recruiting offseason. The Illini landed the highest-ranked prep recruit of the Bret Bielema era over the weekend when four-star defensive back Victor Singleton announced his commitment.

From visits to Dunlap High School to watch top in-state and No. 3 national tight end prospect Mack Sutter star on the basketball court to trips down to Florida to land three of five pledges, including three-star quarterback Michael Clayton, Bielema has done anything but rest thus far this offseason.

If the projections hold, Illinois could play a perennial College Football Playoff juggernaut in the opening round next year.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema is feeling great. The Illini are coming off their first 10-win season since 2001. A junior day over the weekend had more than a dozen of the top local prospects on campus.