Nothing’s more satisfying when you get what you’ve worked hard for. Bret Bielema can now enjoy the fruits of his recruiting labor with the latest edition of Illinois. Per the coveted new commit, there has always been something about the Big Ten HC that puts him above conference rivals like Iowa and Big 12 programs Kansas and Kansas State. 

On3 expert Steve Wiltfong reported a big win for Bret Bielema in his new X post on January 16. Landen Von Seggern isn’t just 100% committed to Illinois; he’s 110% committed to the Fighting Illini.

Sharing a post of the new commit’s social announcement, Wiltfong wrote, “BREAKING: Illinois lands a commitment from a top OL target Landen Von Seggern who talks about his decision. ‘The coaches, the feeling of having Coach Bielema as my head coach for my college career is a different feeling.’”

Landen Von Seggern’s goal had always been clear to him, i.e. to become a coveted NFL lineman. Moreover, Bret Bielema’s achievements have been a deciding factor. The 6’4″, 290-pounder revealed on On3, “Knowing that he has sent the most linemen to the NFL in college football, and that being my final goal gives me a huge push towards my decision.”

In his 15 seasons as HC, the 55-year-old sent 100+ players to the NFL, including 15 offensive linemen like Frank Ragnow and Doug Kramer, among others. 

For Von Seggern, there’s also an immediate feeling of home in Illinois and that comes from the recruiting efforts of OL coach Bart Miller who had been pursuing this highly rated commit since September. He said, “And I love the way Coach Miller coaches. The way that him and I were talking football, it felt like I was already in the team and we were getting ready for the next game.”

What a Big Ten recruiting win for Illinois as they bagged their fourth commitment for the 2026 class! 

Can Bret Bielema fulfill Landen Von Seggern’s wish?

Now that Bret Bielema has his wish fulfilled with Landen Von Seggern’s commitment, can he fulfill the same? The 3-star commit is already clear about his goal and purpose to play for Illinois under Bielema on the interior after playing left tackle at Omaha (Neb.) Millard South this past season. And he can’t wait to get started on Miller’s O-line. 

Speaking of their 21-17 Citrus Bowl victory, Landen Von Seggern said, “With Coach Miller, the O-line has been electric. Especially when they players South Carolina, they shut down that freshman d-end… The O-line has been insane.” The Nebraska native is the first offensive line addition to the 2026 class. He’s the No. 59 IOL in the 2026 class and the No. 4 prospect in the state of Nebraska, per 247Sports.

After a 10-3 season, Illinois will enter the next season with six senior OLs keeping them in good hands. And with the 2026 roster kicking off in the right direction, things are looking so good for Bret Bielema.