Will Vala III
Freshman tight end on Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′3″ · 240 lb · Downers Grove, IL · Downers Grove North
Recruiting
TE recruit
No. 1263 nationally · Signed with Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
1 tight end on Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Illinois in 2026.
Will Vala III
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Illinois3-star out of Downers Grove North
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Bret Bielema
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at tight end for Illinois -- now projected as a quality contributor in the tight end room.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
1 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2024. Tip Reiman went on to the NFL out of this room (2024).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Tight end · Illinois
Returning around him
- 21% of 2024 offensive production back (Heavy turnover)
- 3 Illinois players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -7 net (20 in / 27 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Illinois · Last season: 9-4 (AP #23) · Talent rank #51 · 2026 recruiting class #24
Background
High School Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals Position ranks: #13 (ESPN), #85 (247), #98 (Rivals) State ranks: #19 (ESPN), #39 (247), #44 (Rivals) Played for head coach Joe Horeni at Downers Grove North 57 receptions for 851 yards and eight touchdowns 2025 all-state Two-time all-c...
The tight end room · Illinois
- #83Kaden Feagin188 receiving yards · 2025
- #88Davin Stoffel24 receiving yards · 2025
- #86Christian Abney12 receiving yards · 2025
- #14Maurice Smithno box-score line yet
- #85Will Vala IIIno box-score line yet
4 more on the roster · Illinois team page