Jun. 28—***

In what has been a highly productive spring and summer recruiting season for Bret Bielema and Illinois football, there is an occasional “no thanks,”

One came Thursday when Dunlap tight end Mack Sutter picked Alabama over Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio State and Penn State.

The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder is the No. 2-ranked prospect in Illinois, No. 4 at his position nationally and No. 71 overall. He is the real deal and should be a big help for Kalen DeBoer in 2026.

At the moment, Sutter is joining a class ranked lower by (No. 23) than Illinois (No. 10).

Illinois already has one tight end in the class: Will Vala of Downers Grove North. And Bielema hopes to land another Tuesday when Mount Zion standout J.C. Anderson picks from Illinois, Auburn and Mississippi.

Illinois seems to be in good position to add Anderson to its loaded class.

No matter what happens with the two star tight ends — and most other players on the Illinois wish list — they will continue to be on Bielema’s radar.

Looking at recent trends in college football, the first team isn’t always the permanent team.

Let’s say Sutter goes to Tuscaloosa, gets caught behind a bevy of other top recruits and decides to move closer to home. Illinois would be a consideration, made easier if Bielema leaves the door open.

Recruiting is a tough business. Learning to adapt and maintaining ties to prospects who initially reject you is the smart move.

Congrats to Sutter on his choice and good luck to Anderson as he makes the final call.