Erik Gayle
Erik Gayle is a three-star recruit from Cincinnati, OH, out of Withrow (No. 987 in the 2025 class) who has not played in Illinois's 8 games this season.
Where Gayle comes from
- Cincinnati, OH
- Withrow
- About 200 miles from Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
- Three-star, No. 987 in the 2025 class.
- On the Illinois roster since 2025
Where Gayle fits
Illinois lists 14 linebackers this season.
Illinois linebackers with a game this season
Illinois is 5-3. Next: vs Nebraska, Fri Nov 6.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Withrow
Also from Cincinnati, OH
Where to follow
Splits
Home and road splits, scheme and staff
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Pass share
49.5%
243 pass / 248 run
Plays / game
61.4
8 games
Team sack rate
3.7%
271 dropbacks · PBP
Scheme: Balanced, slow tempo.
Awards
A three-star recruit at linebacker for Illinois -- now graded to hold down a real role in the linebacker room.
No college stat recorded yet. Here's what we know.
Quality starterThree-star HS recruit
Grades highest in pursuit and hit power.
Illinois has produced 1 All-Conference linebacker.
Two seasons at Illinois
- 2026 Illinois BielemaYear 2 · Games –
- 2025 Illinois BielemaYear 1 · Games –
- High school WithrowCincinnati, OH · Class of 2025Three-star, No. 987 in the 2025 class. Signed with Illinois.Also from Withrow: Terhyon Nichols (Kentucky), Quintin Simmons Jr. (Miami (OH)), Justyn Lyles (Marshall) and 2 more.
2025
- Signed with IllinoisThree-star, out of Withrow