:quality(70):focal(1079x350:1089x360)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/PBFGT4JKMZDTLJG6VBUGYJW3UM.JPG)
The Class of 2025 in The Herald-News coverage area featured plenty of talented players who signed with Division-I schools. While the area will lose plenty of talent with this season’s group of seniors graduating, the cupboard is far from bare.
Here are five Herald-News area players to watch for the 2025 season.
Jonas Williams, Lincoln-Way East
Class: 2026
Position: QB
The reigning Herald-News Player of the Year, Williams has already verbally committed to Oregon. That hasn’t stopped the rest of the college football world from trying to bring him into the fold, as he recently received offers from both Georgia and Ole Miss. It’s easy to understand why Williams is so coveted after passing for 2,926 yards and 42 touchdowns while running for 400 yards and seven TDs in leading the Griffins to a 12-1 record. He is in prime position to break the all-time IHSA career passing touchdown record next season.
Jacob Alexander, Lincoln-Way East
Class: 2026
Position: DL
Alexander had several Division I schools after him, but he recently chose University of Illinois over such other Big Ten schools as Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher was a disruptive force for the Griffins last season, delivering 36 tackles, including five sacks and two tackles for loss for a defensive unit that allowed just over 10 points a game.
Jahan Abubakar, Lincoln-Way West
Class: 2026
Position: RB
Abubakar has been an integral part of the Warriors' offense for the last two seasons and is poised to take on a full-time role this fall after rushing for 1,019 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder already has offers from Boston College and Toledo, with visits set up to Minnesota, Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa State.
Ian Campbell, Joliet Catholic
Class: 2026
Position: DE
Campbell was one of just two non-seniors to start on defense for the Hilltoppers last season on their way to a Class 5A runner-up finish. He had 35 tackles, incuding team highs of seven sacks and nine tackles for loss. Campbell, who was CCL/ESCC co-Lineman of the Year last season, recently received an offer from Eastern Michigan.
Ryan Kettman, Wilmington
Class: 2026
Position: RB/DB
Kettman earned IHFCA Honorable Mention All-State honors last season after leading the Wildcats in rushing with 1,431 yards on 149 carries, an eye-popping 9.6 yards per carry, and scored 18 touchdowns. As a defensive back, he had a team-high five interceptions as well.