St. Patrick four-star defensive lineman David Folorunsho, who led the Shamrocks to the CCL/ESCC Purple Division title and the second round of the IHSA Class 5A playoffs in 2025, announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Friday.

St. Laurence three-star linebacker Sean Rice, who compiled 123 tackles and led the Vikings to the IHSA Class 6A state semifinals during his junior season, announced his commitment to Illinois on Friday.

Mount Carmel four-star wide receiver Quentin Burrell, who caught 67 passes for 1,139 yards and 16 touchdowns while helping the Caravan win a fourth straight IHSA state championship during his junior season, announced his commitment to Michigan on Wednesday.

Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Mason Halliman, a member of the Griffins' Class of 2027, committed over the weekend to continue his career at the University of Illinois.

A 2006 Ottawa High School graduate and two-year starting quarterback, Jared Mundt is the Pirates new varsity football coach.

Two-time All-Interstate 8 Conference quarterback Marion Persich, who is receiving plenty of college recruiting interest, is transferring to Morris from La Salle-Peru for his junior season.

Prior to being recognized at the Kankakee City Hall meeting Monday night, 2019 Kankakee graduate Keagen Trost was celebrated at his alma mater as the school's first NFL draft pick in almost 50 years.

Local football players showed up in jerseys and helmets Monday morning for Johnsburg's Northern Burbs Showcase. About 165 athletes and 60 college coaches attended the inaugural event.

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Area football players show off their skills at the Northern Burbs Football Showcase on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Johnsburg High School. Over 165 players from 15 teams demonstrated their football skills to over 60 college coaches.