2026 Illinois NFL Draft Watch: Illini Pass-Rusher Creating A Legacy
Despite multiple big money NIL offers to transfer, this Illinois player decided to stay loyal to the program.
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2026 NFL Draft Rankings: QB || RB || WR || TE || OT || OG || C || DT || ER || LB || CB || S
TOP 10 ILLINOIS PROSPECTS FOR 2026
Location: Champagne, IL || Conference: B1G || Head Coach: Bret Bielema (4 Years: 28-22; Overall 125-80) || NFL Draft Picks Under Bielema: 12 (3/year) || NFL 1st Round Picks Under Bielema: 1 || Illini in NFL: 29
1. Gabe Jacas, LB, Sr, 6021, 275, 4.79e (photo: Illinois Athletics)
Evaluation: The arrow is pointing up for Jacas, who was one of the more productive pass-rushers in the B1G a year ago. In fact, he turned down multiple big money NIL offers to stay put in Champagne, citing his loyalty to Bret Bielema and the desire to improve. With size, athleticism and bend,
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