2026 Football Roster
Jersey Number 85
Will Vala III
- Position:
- TE
- Class:
- Freshman
- Height:
- 6-3
- Weight:
- 240
- Hometown:
- Downers Grove, Ill.
- High School:
- Downers Grove North
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-conference
- Played basketball and baseball for two years
- Academic All-State
- Honor Roll
- Offers included Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Purdue, and Wisconsin
Personal
- Born December 27, 2007
- Son of Bill and Mercedes Vala
- One brother, Chace
- Plans to major in business
Illinois Football | Bret Bielema Press Conference 3/5/26
Thursday, March 05
Illinois Football | Bobby Hauck Introductory Press Conference 2/12/26
Thursday, February 12
Illinois Football | Bret Bielema Press Conference 2/4/26
Thursday, February 05
Illinois Football | Xavier Scott Return Announcement Press Conference Press Conference 1/21/26
Wednesday, January 21
