Just a few days after making his official visit to the University of Illinois, 3-star linebacker Malachi Hood has committed to the program.

Hood, a native of Joliet, Illinois, announced his decision with a post on social media on Monday. He took an official visit on Friday, June 4 and only needed a few days to decide to commit to Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini.

“I want to thank Coach Bielema, Coach Buh, and Coach Kane for taking a chance on me, a choice they will not regret,” Hood said on Twitter. “With that being said, I have decided to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Illinois!”

Hood is listed as a 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker in the 2022 class. He’s ranked as the No. 25 prospect out of Illinois and the No. 85 linebacker of the cycle. Currently, the Fighting Illini are the only program to extend an offer.

With Hood’s commitment, Illinois is up to 9 verbal pledges in the 2022 class. The Fighting Illini currently rank 29th nationally and 6th in the B1G in the recruiting rankings.