It’s been 13 years since Miles Osei last stepped into Memorial Stadium in Champaign—not as a fan, but as a player. Back in 2013, he hauled in a late touchdown pass from Nathan Scheelhaase during a heartbreaking 37-34 loss to Northwestern. A lot has changed since then, both for Illinois football and for Osei himself.
The Illini program has gone through four head coaches since that season: Tim Beckman, Bill Cubit, Lovie Smith, and now Bret Bielema. Meanwhile, Osei has transitioned from player to coach, now entering his second year leading the Evanston High School program. And he’s about to have a personal reason to return to his alma mater.
One of his top players, defensive back Justin Johnson, committed to Illinois on March 4. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound three-star recruit is the first prospect from the Class of 2027 to pledge to the Illini. Johnson chose Illinois over offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Stanford, Northwestern, Washington, and others. He’ll enroll ahead of the 2027 season, becoming the first player Osei has sent to his own college team.
“I ultimately want what’s best for the kid,” Osei said. “I put my feelings aside about where I went. I wanted him to make the best decision for his family. But it’s really unique and really cool to have someone play at a school and program you were once a part of. That’s special, for sure. I’m excited to see him do that in the same colors.”
Johnson is more than just a talented athlete. Osei describes him as an “elite competitor” with speed and a hunger to improve. Off the field, he’s an easy-going high school kid who loves drawing and music—and he competes just as hard in the classroom, which is why programs like Stanford and Northwestern were interested.
But don’t think Johnson has it easy against his own coach. At 34, Osei still believes he can get the better of his star defensive back in practice. “I don’t think he can cover me now,” Osei joked. “I’ll find a way. I’ve got a good two or three reps in me.”
The Wildkits went 3-6 in Osei’s first season as head coach, but he’s expecting a bounce-back year in 2026. With Johnson leading the defense—and a special connection to Illinois—there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Evanston.