Bret Bielema has a special unit returning for 2025, and players are going to be given recognition left and right in the coming months.
The Illini are coming off the best season we have had in nearly a quarter-century. A big part of the 10-win campaign in 2024 was Gabe Jacas.
Jacas has been an impact player since joining the Illinois program back in 2022. He was immediately a freshman All-American and then earned All-Big Ten honors this past season. Now, the talented linebacker is getting some bigger recognition.
On Wednesday evening, the Lott Award watch list was released for the 2025 season. This is an award named after Ronnie Lott and is given to the player who is college football's best defensive player in character and performance.
It is a watch list, so the list is long, but Jacas is the only Illinois player representing the watch list players.
The moment has finally arrived... meet our 2025 @RonnieLottHOF award Watch List! These players don’t just play the game, they redefine it both on and off the field. Who’s ready for kickoff?#TrueIMPACT #DefenseMatters #LottsOfIMPACT #collegefootball pic.twitter.com/sq9NEzRdqR
— Lott IMPACT Trophy (@TheLottTrophy) May 28, 2025
Gabe Jacas has been a staple in the Illinois defense for three seasons
The ability for Jacas to be a sub-1000 recruit and still make an impact on the Illinois football program from day one is impressive. He did earn those freshman All-American honors, and he hasn’t slowed down since.
For his three-year career thus far, Jacas has a total of 140 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and four forced fumbles. This past season alone, he had 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. This massive season earned him All-Big Ten and All-American honors.
Jacas has been a resilient player for the Illini, too. While his numbers are great, his availability has been even better. In three seasons, he has a total of 31 starts under his belt. That alone is an impressive feat.
Don’t expect Jacas’ production to slow down anytime soon either. He is about to have another big year, and I think this big season could lead to a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. I am projecting second or third round right now, but don’t be shocked if he ends up sneaking into the first round. Jacas is the real deal.