It is always exciting to see Illinois football players get picked in the NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft had one Illini player get selected, and that trend won’t stop. I already laid out who I think are locks to be picked in the 2026 NFL Draft, but there are also quite a few Illinois players who have a chance to creep up into the draft as well.
If these players have a good season with the Illini in 2025, look for their names to be called in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Illinois football sleepers for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Luke Altmyer – Quarterback
Illinois has plenty of options to potentially get picked in the 2026 NFL Draft, and if he has a good year, Luke Altmyer could be one of the quarterbacks taken off the board.
Altmyer shocked the world with his development from 2023 to 2024. He looked good last season, throwing for 2,717 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Altmyer showed the ability to get the ball to his wide receivers with accuracy, and his legs are underrated.
I could see Altmyer sneaking into the draft next year. If he continues his trajectory, there is no telling how high he could get picked.
- Melvin Priestly – Offensive tackle
With offensive success comes notoriety. I expect Illinois’ offense to look good in 2025, and this will help someone like Melvin Priestly potentially get picked in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Priestly wasn’t great in 2024, but he was decent for the Illini. He did stay on the field all season, starting every game. This was Priestly’s first season competing against the big boys, so next season should be much better. It wouldn’t shock me to see Priestly get picked next year.
- Josh Kreutz – Center
The offensive line is always a priority at the next level. The fact that Josh Kreutz is the lead guy on the Illinois offensive line could give him a nice boost next draft.
Kreutz wasn’t one of the highly rated centers in the country, but he was good for the Illini. He has one more season to improve, as he has done every season in Champaign. It also helps that he has the Kreutz name, so there is a chance someone takes him in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kreutz has the drive and grit to make an NFL roster.
- Josh Gesky – Offensive guard
The Illinois offensive line has great size and experience. One of the talented blockers heading into the 2025 season is Josh Gesky.
Gesky didn’t rank high during the 2024 season, but he was a solid offensive lineman for Illinois. I think a positive for Gesky is the fact that he is 6-foot-5, 325 pounds. He is a massive offensive lineman who got fully into a starting role last season.
Look for Gesky to take a step forward in his senior season. If he has a big year, Gesky could go in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Matthew Bailey – Safety
Not every player Illinois could get drafted next season is going to be a senior. I think there is a chance that Matthew Bailey could get picked in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bailey is entering his junior year and is one of the top safeties in college football. He graded out as the No. 193 safety out of 912 in all of college football. The great part about Bailey is the fact that he can play everywhere on the field, too.
I am keeping an eye on Bailey because he is a strong and quick safety who can do some damage. While not a senior, I think he has the most 2026 NFL Draft potential out of anyone on this list.