Pettigrew Locks In Top 5 Visits: Illini Lead?

Five-star guard Brady Pettigrew, from the class of 2028, has officially scheduled his five official college visits. Pettigrew first received an offer from Illinois during his freshman year in April 2025, and the Illini staff have maintained consistent recruitment since then. He will visit Illinois, Michigan, Florida, Ohio State, and Arkansas this fall and early winter. Illinois and Florida were among the earliest schools to offer Pettigrew, with Illinois extending the initial offer.

Pettigrew is recognized as a dynamic scorer, adept at shooting from deep and scoring off the dribble. His vertical explosiveness is a key attribute, frequently leading him to attack the rim and draw fouls, evidenced by his high free-throw attempt rate. While his three-point efficiency and shot selection show room for improvement, his overall offensive polish is evident. Defensively, his physical tools suggest he has the potential to be a strong contributor if he focuses on that end of the court.

Several top programs are vying for Pettigrew, including Arkansas under John Calipari. However, Illinois presents a strong case with their team success and potential for a national title. Florida and Michigan, both recent national champions, also hold significant appeal. The timing of Pettigrew's visits has raised speculation about a potential reclassification to the 2027 class, which could align with Illinois' program timeline.