Top 10 Illinois HS football players in Class of 2025
8. Jaylen Williams, DL, PalatineÂ
Williams is part of a strong 2025 class for the Michigan Wolverines that also includes fellow Illinois defensive standout Nathaniel Marshall. Williams had numerous high-level collegiate offers and chose the Wolverines over Nebraska, Tennessee and Texas A&M. He should earn a role on the defensive line once he arrives in Ann Arbor sooner rather than later and has a lot of potential going forward thanks to his big 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame and his physicality in the trenches. The Palatine senior is also quick for his size and made eye-opening plays time and again for the Pirates’ defense last season as an all-state performer. While he doesn’t have much left to prove at the prep level, Williams will be one of Illinois’ most feared defenders in 2024 and the sky’s the limit once he reaches the next level.
On300 Michigan EDGE target Jaylen Williams () with a huge sack on fourth down
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3)