Will Vala III
Will Vala III is a three-star recruit from Downers Grove, IL, out of Downers Grove North (No. 1,263 in the 2026 class) who has not played in Illinois's 8 games this season.
Where Vala comes from
- Downers Grove, IL
- Downers Grove North
- About 100 miles from Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL)
- Three-star, No. 1,263 in the 2026 class.
Where Vala fits
Illinois lists 10 tight ends this season.
Illinois tight ends with a game this season
Illinois is 5-3. Next: vs Nebraska, Fri Nov 6.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Downers Grove North
Also from Downers Grove, IL
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 tight end for Illinois -- now projected as a quality contributor in the tight end room.
No college stat recorded yet. Here's what we know.
Quality starterThree-star HS recruit
1 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2024. Tip Reiman went on to the NFL out of this room (2024).
Joined Illinois in 2026
- 2026 Illinois BielemaYear 1 · Games –
- High school Downers Grove NorthDowners Grove, IL · Class of 2026Three-star, No. 1,263 in the 2026 class. Signed with Illinois.Also from Downers Grove North: Cael Brezina (Penn State), Owen Lansu (Minnesota) and Aiden Solecki (Purdue).
2026
- Signed with IllinoisThree-star, out of Downers Grove North