Keep in mind OSU is a HUGE department. That's a double-edged sword...lots of options but lots of competition. You'd be in a cohort of 40+ students and have ~10 other Americanists just in your cohort.
Let me know if you have UIUC questions!
I, too, am a Ph.D. student at UIUC. This place will be great for most people looking at R1, top25 schools. However, this place will be a nightmare for others. If you have questions, let me know. I'll be happy to elaborate.