2026 NFL Draft Recap with 3 Illini Selected

Before Bret Bielema's arrival, it was a rare sight to see Illinois players being chosen in the NFL Draft. Between 2014 and 2020, Illinois had very few players with the talent to be drafted by an NFL team, with only 5 Illini selected in those 6 drafts. Since then, Illinois has consistently developed NFL talent as they have had at least one player picked within the first 100 selections each year.

Gabe Jacas was the first Illini selected on Friday night in round 2. The defending AFC Champion New England Patriots selected the edge rusher with the 55th overall pick. Jacas was a pivotal recruiting win for the Illini in the 2022 recruiting class. The Fort Pierce, Florida native made an instant impact on the field for Illinois and helped turn the Illinois program around with 3 Bowl appearances in his 4 seasons. Jacas racked up 27 sacks across his 4 seasons, which was good enough for the second most all time in Illinois Football history. He was an All-Big Ten selection 3 of his 4 seasons, most notably with a first team selection in the 2025 season. One of the best edge rushers to come through Champaign will look to help the Patriots remain on top of the AFC next season.

J.C. Davis was the next Illini to be selected. With the 192nd overall pick, the New York Football Giants selected Illinois' steady left tackle. Davis transferred in from New Mexico after two successful seasons in Albuquerque. Davis earned All-Big Ten selection in both of his seasons in Champaign. In 2024, he was named an All-Big Ten third teamer and was an All-Big Ten first teamer last season. Pro Football Focus had Davis graded as the 3rd best left tackle in all of College Football last season as well. He now joins the long list of offensive lineman Bret Bielema has sent to the NFL.

Miles Scott was the final Illini selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the 246th pick the Denver Broncos selected the former walk-on receiver. Scott transitioned to safety and earned a scholarship. He was also named a captain in each of his final two seasons. The Broncos have been a nice destination for former Illini with Pat Bryant and Alex Palczewski most recently excelling in Denver. Miles is heading to the Mile High City.

No other Illini were drafted, but plenty were picked up as undrafted free agents:

Luke Altmyer - Lions

Melvin Priestly - Lions

Tanner Arkin - Patriots

Hank Beatty - Titans

Josh Gesky - Packers

James Thompson Jr. - 49ers

The most notable player in that group is quarterback Luke Altmyer. Altmyer was surprisingly not selected on day 3 while guys like Athan Kaliakmanis of Rutgers were. It was no surprise that Altmyer was not one of the first quarterbacks taken, but the fact there was not a single team willing to take a backup quarterback who takes care of the ball and is a proven winner was shocking. Altmyer only threw 11 interceptions in his junior and senior seasons. He also accompanied that by leading Illinois on 7 game-winning drives. It was not fun to see one of most decorated Illinois quarterbacks of all time become undrafted, but ultimately for Altmyer's chances of sticking in the league, Detroit is an excellent destination. The Lions only have 2 quarterbacks on the roster currently, and Luke should have a great chance of making the final roster this summer.