Illinois reeled in a key commitment Wednesday evening, landing one of the top players from the state for the class of 2022.

The announcement came from Aidan Laughery, a three-star athlete out of Gibson City, Illinois. According to the 247 Sports Composite Rankings, Laughery is the No. 18 prospect out of the state for the cycle.

“After countless days and nights of thought,” wrote Laughery on Twitter, “I’d like to announce that I am 110 percent committed to The University of Illinois!”

Landing Laughery is a big win for head coach Bret Bielema. The Illini edged fellow B1G programs Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Rutgers for Laughery’s commitment.
Laughery’s decision brings Illinois’ 2022 class up to 14 commitments. That group is led by eight players out of Illinois.