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Illinois pass rusher included on ESPN's top 25 playmakers in college football

An Illinois pass rusher who decided to come back for the 2025 season was included as a top 25 non-quarterback playmaker in all of college football.
ByJon Rhoades|
Nov 12, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45) runs with the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) pursues during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45) runs with the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) pursues during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois outside linebacker Gabe Jacas has earned a well-deserved spot on ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg’s list of the top 25 non-quarterback playmakers for the 2025 college football season.

At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Jacas proved his worth for the Illini in 2024 with impressive stats: 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Rittenberg noted Jacas's physicality and relentless play and how it earned him high praise, with Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry comparing him to NFL stars J.J. Watt and Bradley Chubb. Rittenberg noted, “Jacas tied for the Big Ten lead in forced fumbles and shined against ranked teams like Michigan, where he had 13 tackles.” Jacas will no doubt be a defensive force for the Illini next season, and Rittenberg correctly identifies that.

Gabe Jacas will be more than just a pass rusher for the Illinois football program in 2025

Jacas disrupted offenses last year against some of the best competition on their schedule in Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State, South Carolina, and Oregon. His three forced fumbles tied for the conference lead, making him an easy choice to be a top playmaker in not just the Big Ten but also in all of college football.

One thing Rittenberg does not properly note, though, is Jacas's versatility. Jacas isn’t just a pass rusher; his 74 tackles were the second most among edge players in the Big Ten in 2024, as he stopped the run and covered in space. Rittenberg’s list does properly celebrate his sack totals, but Jacas’s all-around game could make him a dark horse for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Additionally, ESPN overlooked other Illini stars who could’ve made the list. Players like defensive back Xavier Scott, who showed playmaking with the second-most interceptions in the Big Ten in 2024, deserved consideration. But with Illinois in the national spotlight, I expect more coverage to come out highlighting guys like those I previously mentioned, Luke Altmyer, and possibly more.

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