Packers receive great news in latest NFL schedule development
Packers receive great news ahead of 2026 NFL schedule release

Miles Osei, a former Illinois player, is now a coach at Evanston High School. His top player, Justin Johnson, has committed to join the Illinois football team for the 2027 season.
Mentioned in this story
May 13—EVANSTON — The last time Miles Osei went to a game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign?
It was 13 years ago ... and he was playing in it. Caught a late touchdown pass from Nathan Scheelhaase during a 37-34 loss to Northwestern.
Plenty has changed since then for Illinois football and Osei. The 2013 season was four coaches ago at Illinois. It went from Tim Beckman to Bill Cubit to Lovie Smith to the current boss, Bret Bielema.
And Osei is now a coach, about to enter his second year in charge at Evanston High School. One of his top players, defensive back Justin Johnson, made a commitment on March 4 to join Bielema's team. Johnson is the first Class of 2027 prospect to say "yes" to Illinois.
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound three-star recruit will enroll at Illinois ahead of the 2027 season, giving Osei another reason to visit his alma mater.
Johnson will become the first Illinois player for Osei, who previously coached at Kankakee and Elk Grove Village, before taking control of Evanston before the 2025 season.
Johnson picked Illinois ahead of offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Stanford Northwestern, Washington and others.
How did Osei feel when Johnson said "Illinois"?
"I ultimately want what's best for the kid," Osei told me on Tuesday. "I put my feeling aside of where I went.
"I wanted him to make his best decision for his family. I think it's really unique and really cool to have someone play at a school and a program you were once a part of. That's special, for sure. I'm excited to see him do that in the same colors."
Of course, the Illinois program has upgraded its facilities since 2013, particularly the Smith Center.
Osei is proud of Johnson on the field and off.
"He's a unique player," Osei said, "He's got speed. He wants to compete. The first thing that sticks out is he's an elite competitor. He wants to be better."
Johnson's family, Osei said, is "super supportive." He competes in the classroom, too, well enough to draw the interest of Stanford and Northwestern.
"He checks all those boxes," Osei said.
Johnson still has work to do ... when defending against his coach. At age 34, Osei is still skilled enough to beat Johnson on pass routes or with his throws.
"I don't think he can cover me now," Osei said. "I'll find a way. I've got a good two or three reps in me."
Personality-wise, Osei calls Johnson "easy-going."
"He's just a regular high school kid," Osei continued. "He likes to draw. He likes music. Just enjoying where he's at right now."
The Wildkits went 3-6 in Osei's first season as coach. He expects a bump in 2026.
"I'm excited about our group," Osei said. "We do see a change."
More to follow
Johnson is one of just two Illinois commits in the 2027 class. Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Mason Halliman said "yes" to Illinois this past Saturday.
Justin Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound three-star defensive back who has committed to join the Illinois football team as the first Class of 2027 prospect.
Miles Osei played at Memorial Stadium 13 years ago, catching a late touchdown pass during a game against Northwestern.
Illinois football has had four coaches since Miles Osei played in the 2013 season.
Miles Osei is currently the head coach at Evanston High School, entering his second year in that position.
Packers receive great news ahead of 2026 NFL schedule release
6 College football teams reportedly over $40 million ahead of 2026 season

Sergio Troitiño se convierte en subcampeón de Europa en taekwondo, logrando la cuarta medalla para España en Múnich.
Lorenzo Musetti withdraws from the 2026 French Open due to a thigh injury.
George Lombard Jr. could be joining the Yankees sooner than expected amid infield uncertainty.
Eagles' London game against Jaguars brings back memories!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Since taking over at Illinois before the 2021 season, Bielema has pledged to start recruiting from within the state border. Music to Osei's ears.
He is a former standout at Prospect.
Bielema reminds Osei of his first college coach. He was recruited to Illinois by Ron Zook as a quarterback in 2010. Osei later worked at receiver, too.
Osei has nothing but praise for Zook.
"He did a lot for kids that I don't think people realize," Osei said.
The effort started close to home.
"I always thought he did a really good job recruiting the state," Osei said. "He was in your Simeons. He was everywhere. The best kids from the state wanted to play at the UI. We didn't get everybody, but I think that was a point of emphasis."
Bielema is doing the same thing.
"I think it is refreshing to see Coach Bielema not only say that, but he is operating that way," Osei said. "Actions are speaking to that. It makes it fun for kids. There's some pride here, for sure."
As a player at Illinois from Illinois, it meant more to Osei.
"It's your state school," Osei said, "and there is something to be said for doing that."
Making friends
Osei remains close to many of his Illinois teammates. Scheelhaase, currently the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, is his best friend.
He's also close to Steve Hull, Ryan Lankford, Corey Lewis and Reilly O'Toole.
"Those are still my guys," Osei said.
Osei attended the Rams-Bears playoff game in January at Soldier Field. Osei wore his Rams gear to support his buddy.
"That was fun to see," Osei said.
Osei keeps in contact with Alex Golesh (now the head coach at Auburn) and Jeff Brohm (Louisville), two assistant coaches for the Illini during Osei's college career.
But it was a last offensive coordinator, Bill Cubit, who helped change Osei's life.
"He is the reason I really dove into coaching," Osei said. "I was kind of that tweener, switching positions.
"He really did make a positive impact on my life. He's a good guy."
Osie asked that I tell Cubit what he said next time I talk to the 2015 Illinois head coach. Consider it done.
Osei has found work/life balance with wife Susie. The high school sweethearts even work together. Susie is a counselor at Evanston High. They are parents of Zelie (6) and True (5).