Hi Ari! j/k
Your post is exactly the sort of media regurgitation I was describing, and it makes you about as credible as the sports journalist in question. He made the claim that Illinois has MAC-level talent. Does this guy have a reputation for having an eye for talent? Any professional experience on the college recruiting trail? Does he document his own talent evaluations? Has he visited practices for either team? No, no he hasn't. He read the same 247 talent composite that you cited in your anonymous internet post. I can read all about the performance of the new Ferrari 812 GTS online and then give you my recommendation about it. That's what you're getting here.
No, but 100+ D1 head coaches have an eye for talent and if many of our players weren't offered by other P5 schools, that says something about their perceived talent level while in high school. No team with a 247 talent composite of lower than 13 has ever won a playoff game.
It's not the be-all end-all but it certainly is the best summary of a team's talent level available to anyone.
I'm not sure why you're so butthurt by this guy.