Illinois Lands Late In-State Commit Caden Considine, a Versatile Playmaker with Championship Pedigree
Illinois football has added a late but potentially impactful piece to its 2026 recruiting class - and he's coming from right in their own backyard.
Byron (Ill.) safety Caden Considine committed to the Illini following an official visit to Champaign over the weekend, during which he picked up a scholarship offer. He chose Illinois over offers from North Dakota State and Western Illinois and is expected to sign on Wednesday.
Now, let’s talk about what Illinois is getting in Considine - and why this pickup could fly under the radar now, but pay off big down the road.
A Two-Way Star with a State Title Resume
Considine isn’t just a safety. He’s a flat-out football player.
As a senior, he rushed for 2,119 yards and 40 touchdowns on 175 carries - video game numbers - while also recording 84 tackles and three interceptions on defense. And he did it all while leading Byron to a Class 3A state championship.
This wasn’t a one-year breakout, either. Over his high school career, Considine piled up 5,104 rushing yards and 82 total touchdowns.
Byron won two state titles during his time there, and Considine was at the heart of both runs. That kind of production - and winning experience - doesn’t just happen by accident.
It speaks to his durability, versatility, and football IQ.
Bloodlines and Big-Game DNA
Considine also has the kind of football pedigree that coaches love. His father, Sean Considine, played at Iowa before being drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He went on to play eight seasons in the NFL, capping his career with a Super Bowl ring as a member of the 2012 Baltimore Ravens.
That kind of background matters. It means Caden has grown up around the game, understands what it takes to succeed at the next level, and likely brings a professional approach to preparation and development.
Why Illinois? A Connection That Clicked
For Considine, the decision to commit to Illinois came down to connection - specifically with head coach Bret Bielema and his staff.
“The integrity and character of the staff at Illinois is impressive,” Considine said. “Coach B is the best of the best, and I can’t wait to help this team win some big football games in the future.”
He added that every conversation with Bielema just seemed to click, praising the staff’s passion and vision for the program. “It’s no wonder they’ve won the amount of football games they have recently, and I look forward to help increase that trend.”
Why This Matters for Illinois
This isn’t the first time Illinois has found value in a late-cycle in-state commit. The Illini have made a habit of identifying under-the-radar talent and turning them into contributors. Just look at Matthew Bailey (2022), Mac Resetich (2023), and Tanner Heckel (2024) - all February signees who went on to make an impact.
Add three-star linebacker Jack Paris from Fenwick to that list as another recent late addition in the Class of 2025.
Considine fits that mold - a high-motor, high-upside athlete who may not have had the national spotlight, but brings the kind of toughness, production, and leadership that can thrive in Champaign. He’s a winner, a worker, and now, officially, an Illini.
Keep an eye on this one. Considine might’ve been a late addition, but he’s got the tools to make an early impression.