5. I’m surprised Gabe Jacas isn’t being looked at for the NFL
Over the years, the Illinois football team has had some pretty special talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. We have produced a ton of NFL talent.
Every time an NFL team steps on the field, it feels like an Illinois player’s name is being called. On Monday night alone, Kerby Joseph had two interceptions in a huge win for the Detroit Lions. He now has nine interceptions on the season, which leads the NFL.
As an Illinois fan, you can start seeing who has NFL talent due to so many players heading to the NFL in recent years. In my opinion, I think Gabe Jacas has the ability to not only make the NFL, but he could stick around for years.
Jacas had another big game in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. He terrorized the South Carolina offense with eight tackles and three tackles for loss. This has been a trend for the talented EDGE too.
In 2024, Jacas had easily his best season for the Illini. He finished with 74 tackles, which is over double his previous best season. He also had 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles.
But when I check the best available players for the 2025 NFL Draft, Jacas is nowhere to be found. There is a chance that he isn’t on the list because he is just a junior and hasn’t declared for the NFL Draft, but honestly, he probably should.
I think Jacas would skyrocket up the NFL Draft boards if he decided to declare. At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, he would be a tenacious defense end at the next level. Jacas makes such an impact on the Orange and Blue. While I would love for him to come back, it wouldn’t shock me to see him go.