Champ Smith
Champ Smith is a four-star recruit from Fort Pierce, FL, out of Vero Beach (No. 231 in the 2026 class) who has not played in Illinois's 8 games this season.
Where Smith comes from
- Fort Pierce, FL
- Vero Beach
- Vero Beach is about 950 miles from Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
- Four-star, No. 231 in the 2026 class.
Where Smith fits
Illinois lists 20 offensive linemen this season.
The team’s line is 9th in the country in stuff rate allowed this season (a team number).
Illinois is 5-3. Next: vs Nebraska, Fri Nov 6.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Vero Beach
Also from Fort Pierce, FL
Awards
A four-star recruit at offensive line for Illinois -- now graded as All-Conference caliber.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
The unit he anchors ranks 9th nationally in stuff rate allowed this season. See the full unit breakdown →
Illinois has produced 7 All-Conference offensive linemen and 1 All-American. 7 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2016. Alex Palczewski was one of them, an All-American.
Joined Illinois in 2026
- 2026 Illinois BielemaYear 1 · Games –
- High school Vero BeachVero Beach, FL · Class of 2026Four-star, No. 231 in the 2026 class. Signed with Illinois.Also from Vero Beach: Tarvos Alford (Ohio State), EJ White (Florida State), Vandrevious Jacobs (Miami) and 6 more.
2026
- Signed with IllinoisFour-star, out of Vero Beach