In July 2023, Mt. Carmel quarterback Blayne Sisson announced he was committed to SIU.  It was a commitment many in the region felt was a coup for the Salukis.

Sisson later flipped his commitment to the University of Illinois after a breakout senior season that saw Sisson lead the Golden Aces to the 3A State Finals before ultimately losing to Byron 69-7.  After the season, Sisson was named MaxPreps’ Illinois Player of the Year and a MaxPreps All-American, among other accolades.

The 6’2 athlete was listed as a defensive back by the Figthing Illini during his redshirt season.  He played cornerback for the Golden Aces as well.  But he became most well known in the region during high school for his antics on the offensive side of the ball.  Just in his senior season alone, Sisson recorded more than 4,000 yards of total offense with 235 carries for 2,230 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground.  That was complimented by a passing game that saw Sisson complete 121 of 218 passes for 1,777 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Sisson has four years of eligibility remaining.