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.
Top 8 Big Ten non-QB playmakers for the 2025 season, via ESPN's Adam Rittenberg
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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.