
Former Illini Stars Secure Spots on 2025 NFL Rosters
The NFL's opening rosters feature a notable influx of former Fighting Illini players, spanning multiple teams and roster statuses.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Gabe Jacas across Football.

The NFL's opening rosters feature a notable influx of former Fighting Illini players, spanning multiple teams and roster statuses.

Xavier Scott’s ability to rush the quarterback, cover receivers and adapt to multiple schemes made him indispensable for Illinois, whose defense faltered without him in 2025. As the 2026 season approaches, the team hopes his experience and the return of key players will restore a once‑promising campaign.

The Fighting Illini have posted back‑to‑back nine‑win seasons and a 10‑win campaign in 2024, yet preseason accolades remain limited, with just one player earning a second‑team All‑Big Ten selection.

The New England Patriots signed second‑round defensive end Gabe Jacas, placing him on the non‑football injury list after knee surgery, while veteran Harold Landry and receiver Jeremiah Webb were moved to the physically unable to perform and injured reserve lists respectively.

The New England Patriots signed second‑round pick Gabe Jacas, placed him on the non‑football injury list, and made corresponding moves with Harold Landry and Jeremiah Webb.

Football’s video‑assistant review system has become a cautionary tale for the NFL, which must learn from its sluggish, over‑technical approach before its own replay mechanisms erode the sport’s rhythm.

The Illini's 2026 recruiting class could reshape the team's dynamics, with several freshmen expected to see significant playing time.

A look at the underrated Illinois football recruits of the last ten years who turned modest rankings into All‑American honors and NFL opportunities.

The latest EA Sports College Football 2027 ratings reveal senior safety Matthew Bailey as the highest‑rated Illini player, while transfer quarterback Katin Houser and tight end Kaden Feagin draw attention ahead of the upcoming season.

EA Sports has just unveiled the player ratings for its upcoming College Football 2027 title, a release that has sparked conversation among fans and analysts alike. Illinois' defensive anchor leads the roster, while the team's overall score raises questions about its ranking.

With Illinois boasting a strong home record but undergoing major personnel changes, Nebraska sees an opportunity to capitalize on vulnerabilities and secure a pivotal win.

The New England Patriots finished the 2025 season as the league’s second‑best team, earning a Super Bowl appearance. With most of the core roster set to return and several high‑profile signings on the horizon, the club is poised for a competitive 2026 campaign.

The latest draft analysis highlights Seattle's strategic additions, New England's promising tight end, and the differing approaches of Denver and Los Angeles as the 2026 season looms.

Fantasy analysts have released a unified set of rankings for the upcoming 2026 dynasty rookie draft, spotlighting elite individual defensive players and their projected impacts.

Illinois is adding a high‑profile edge rusher from Emory & Henry College to revamp its defense after losing key players.

Ean Rhea, a 6‑foot‑3, 250‑pound edge rusher from Emory & Henry College, has pledged to Illinois, bringing size, speed and All‑American pedigree to a defense eager to replace lost production.

The NFL’s 2026 Sunday Night Football slate features a host of high‑stakes contests, from the Chiefs‑Seahawks opener to historic rivalries that could dictate the playoff picture.