The Illinois Fighting Illini are just 5-19 in their first two seasons under Lovie Smith, but their future just got brighter.

On Friday, 5-star quarterback prospect Isaiah Williams committed to Illinois:

The top player in Missouri, according to 247 Sports, also received offers from the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon and more.

Choosing Illinois over powerhouses such as Alabama or Ohio State may leave some fans scratching their heads, but it may be the best fit for the star recruit. He will get the opportunity to play quarterback in a system that he feels will put his skill set on full display, per the Illini Inquirer (h/t Joel Boyd of the Chicago Tribune):

“I love that offense. That’s how I’ve been playing my whole life, from little league up until high school. I’ve been playing fast. I love that challenge of getting to the next play quick.”

Not to mention that Champaign, Illinois, is just over a two-hour drive from Trinity Catholic High School (St. Louis, Missouri).

The Fighting Illini have not played in a bowl game since the 2014 season and have not finished with a winning record since 2011. With one of the top recruits in the country making his way to campus next year, Smith could have the program on the rise before too long.

Per 247 Sports, Williams' commitment gives Illinois the 24th-best recruiting class for 2019.