All-State running back Broden Mackert and Division I defensive line prospect Lamar Winfield are two Providence players who turned in strong junior seasons. The Celtics, who made the 5A state finals, will have 10 seniors playing collegiately.

The last two weeks Friday Night Drive has highlighted notable quarterbacks and running backs returning to Illinois prep gridirons next fall. This week is all about the receivers, with 10 pass-catchers to keep an eye on this coming fall.

This spring, we at Friday Night Drive will start looking ahead to the fall with players we are keeping our eye on. After starting with quarterbacks last week, we move our attention to the running back position this week.

With the 2025 Early Signing Period over, we take a look at some of the top Class of 2027 prospects the CCL/ESCC has to offer. Carmel's Trae Taylor, Montini's Israel Abrams and Mount Carmel's Quentin Burrell are among the league's top junior players.

Here is Friday Night Drive's 2025 All-CCL/ESCC football team, with players from all 24 member programs.

Wednesday marked the beginning of the 2025 Early Signing Day Period for NCAA Division I football. Here is a list of CCL/ESCC players who will be playing Division I FBS and FCS football next year.

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Wheaton St. Francis defeated Providence Catholic 39-35 to win the Class 5A State championship on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 in Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University in Normal.

St. Francis senior quarterback Brock Phillip took in a 1-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal with 11 seconds left, as the Spartans rallied past Providence 39-35 in Tuesday's Class 5A championship game at Illinois State in the first-ever IHSA game played in December.

Providence Catholic won only four games last year, losing in the regular season finale to keep the Celtics out of the postseason. A year later, they're playing in the state championship game.