Conference Championship Sunday is finally here in the NFL, and the Illinois football team is well-represented in these two pivotal games.
Over the past five or so years, the Illini have stockpiled talent in the NFL. We haven’t been great in all of those seasons, but Illinois has managed to send players to the next level whether it be through the draft or free agency.
The NFL talent has accelerated since Bret Bielema took over the program in December 2020 as well. We have won more on the field, and this has helped boost the notoriety of the talent that is up and down the roster.
Illinois is now one of the top college football programs to be represented in the NFC and AFC Championship games. In fact, only Oklahoma (9), Alabama (8), Georgia (8), Florida (7), and Penn State (6), have more players on NFC and AFC Championship game rosters than Illinois, which has five players suiting up on Sunday.
Next level 💯💯
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 25, 2025
RT if your school has 5 or more players on an active NFL Roster this weekend 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XIoMhwu37D
Illinois football is growing the brand with so much talent competing to reach the Super Bowl
It is going to be a great Sunday seeing which teams will advance to the Super Bowl. Having Illinois players trying to reach the pinnacle of the NFL is only going to help the brand as well. It is proof that players can come to Champaign and get to the next level.
Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles
- LG Nick Allegretti – Washington Commanders
By the time Nick Allegretti is done in the NFL, he might be the most decorated Illinois football player to play in the NFL. Allegretti suits up for the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game. He has won three Super Bowls, made an AFC Championship game, and lost a Super Bowl. Allegretti is now trying to make another Super Bowl and has at least made a conference championship game in all six seasons in the NFL.
- S Quan Martin – Washington Commanders
Washington has benefitted greatly from Quan Martin taking another step in his career. He is in his second year with the Commanders, and Martin had 87 tackles, three pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and an interception in 2024.
- DT Jer’Zhan Newton – Washington Commanders
Jer’Zhan Newton put his fingerprints on the Washington defense this season. He started 11 games and finished with 44 tackles, six tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
- S Sydney Brown – Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had a great season, and when Sydney Brown was healthy, that defense was dominant. Brown only saw action in 11 games due to injury, but he still finished with seven tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills
- DE Dawuane Smoot – Buffalo Bills
The lone player carrying the Illinois football flag in the AFC Championship game is Dawuane Smoot. He has the most experience out of all of the Illini players, as Smoot is in his eighth season in the NFL. He started four games this season and finished the year with 16 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks.