Illinois Prep QB Verbally Commits to Cowboys

LARAMIE -- Dual-threat quarterbacks only.

That's the direction Wyoming's staff will go from now on. Why? For one, Jay Sawvel and Co. witnessed firsthand in 2025 what a lack of mobility under center can do to an offense. Secondly, Christian Taylor's wide-open attack demands it.

Enter Michael Vander Luitgaren.

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The 6-foot-1, near 200-pound signal caller from the western suburbs of Chicago announced his verbal commitment to the program on Sunday evening via social media.

"I am proud to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic football career at the University of Wyoming," Vander Luitgaren penned on X. "I am incredibly grateful to my family, friends, teammates and coaches who have supported me every step of the way. Excited for the challenge at the next level and the opportunity to work with coach Taylor."

Vander Luitgaren, who also had a number of additional offers this offseason from the likes of Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio), North Dakota State and a host of Ivy League schools, is the second QB in the 2027 class, joining Arvada, Colo., product Tucker Ingersoll.

Those two will join a room that also should include Gillette's Mason Drube, Landon Sims and incoming freshman Taylor Hasselbeck.

Vander Luitgaren has been under center for 19 career games at Batavia High School, throwing for 3,862 yards and 44 touchdowns. More importantly, he boasts a record of 15-4 in those appearances, including leading his team to the 7A state championship game in 2024. The elusive soon-to-be senior has connected on 22 touchdown strikes in consecutive playoff runs.

Click HERE to view the rest of Wyoming's 2027 verbal-commitment list.

- University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players