Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College football team has achieved significant recognition with two of its players, Collin Brunstein and Destin Chance, receiving All-American honors. The College Football Network named Brunstein a first-team All-American, while Chance was included on the second team.

Brunstein's accolades do not stop there. The wide receiver from Jacksonville, Illinois, also earned first-team All-American status from the Associated Press, a second-team nod from the American Football Coaches Association, and a fourth-team mention by d3football.com. During the 2024 season, Brunstein caught 73 passes for 1,540 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. His performance led the nation in both yardage and touchdown totals as well as points scored with 168. He finished his college career setting an NCAA record for all levels with 77 touchdown receptions. In Illinois College history, he stands as the leader in receiving yards (5,047) and touchdown receptions (77), while ranking second in receptions (220).

Destin Chance's performance was equally impressive. The quarterback from Auburn, Illinois completed 234 out of 381 passes for a total of 3,593 yards and threw for 50 touchdowns during the same season. Additionally, he rushed for 586 yards on 89 carries with eight rushing touchdowns. His efforts resulted in setting an NCAA Division III single-season record with his involvement in a total of 58 touchdowns. Chance was also recognized as a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy awarded to the NCAA Division III Player of the Year by Stearns Bank.