If there's one thing we've learned this offseason about Illinois football coach Bret Bielema, it's that he's not afraid to take a shot on a junior college recruit, regardless of how high or low they may be ranked. And that was the case again Wednesday when the Illini signed tight end Benjamin Thurman out of the College of San Mateo (California). Welcome to the FamILLy, @BEN10BJ pic.twitter.com/JghVLLOuhb — Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) May 13, 2026 Illinois' JUCO pipeline continues to grow Thurman is the fifth junior college recruit in Bielema's 2026 recruiting class and only the second tight end among Illinois' incoming group. And it's not like these are your average JUCO recruits, either. Three of the Illini's other four JUCO recruits are the top-ranked players at their position, per 247 Sports – guard Mike Matelau, defensive back Jakwon Morris and offensive tackle TJ Taylor – while the Illini's other remaining JUCO recruit, offensive tackle Alfred Washington, is ranked fourth at his position.…