Michigan, Notre Dame ready to pounce on 4-star QB after decommitment from Illinois

Four-star quarterback Kamden Lopati officially decommitted from the Illinois Fighting Illini on Monday, reopening one of the most competitive recruitments in the 2027 cycle. The 6-foot-3, 215–225-pound passer from Salt Lake City had been the top-ranked commit in Illinois’ 2027 class since committing on July 27, 2025, and based on composite rankings, would have been the highest-rated signee under head coach Bret Bielema.

Lopati is listed as the No. 19 quarterback by 247Sports, No. 11 QB and No. 116 overall by Rivals, and as high as ESPN’s No. 2 quarterback and No. 50 overall prospect. He also ranks as the No. 2 player in Utah. His rising stock is tied directly to production, as during his junior season, he completed 64.8% of his passes for 2,671 yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, along with 730 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground at 8.1 yards per carry. His team finished 11-2 and reached the Utah 5A semifinals.

Recruiting momentum has shifted quickly toward blue-blood programs. The Michigan Wolverines and Notre Dame Fighting Irish have emerged as the primary contenders following multiple visits in March and April, including a multi-day stay in Ann Arbor that led Lopati to cancel a scheduled trip to Illinois. Michigan is currently trending in recruiting prediction models, though Notre Dame remains a strong challenger, especially after Lopati previously called it his “dream school.”

Additional programs such as Duke, Cal, Florida, Tennessee, Stanford, and Georgia also remain in the mix. Lopati’s recruitment comes as movement begins across the 2027 quarterback class.

For the Fighting Illini, the loss is significant. Lopati was one of only two commits in the 2027 class and a centerpiece of the program’s recruiting momentum. His commitment had highlighted Illinois’ success in developing quarterbacks, having produced NFL prospects like Tommy DeVito and Luke Altmyer. Lopati’s departure leaves Illinois with limited elite options in the 2027 cycle and may shift its focus toward the portal.

Lopati is expected to announce his next commitment later this spring, with the Wolverines and Fighting Irish positioned at the forefront of the race.

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