Illini in the 2026 NFL Playoffs

The 2025-2026 NFL regular season has come to an end, and it was a successful one for many former Illini. The playoffs are starting this Saturday, so here are all the former Illini competing for the Lombardi Trophy.

The first Wild Card game featuring Illini is on Saturday Night between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Former Illinois DB Nate Hobbs (2017-2020) was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders but wounded up in Green Bay via free agency this last offseason.

On Sunday at Noon former Illinois DE Dawuane Smoot (2013-2016) and the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Buffalo Bills. Smoot was third round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to the Jaguars where he spent his first 7 years at before heading to the Buffalo Bills for a brief stint. Smoot went back to the Jaguars this past offseason, so he will be taking on his former team in the AFC Wild Card.

On Sunday afternoon, directly after the Illinois-Iowa game, former Illini DB Sydney Brown (2018-2022) and Super Bowl LIX Champion is looking to defend his Lombardi Trophy beginning with the 49ers in the NFC Willd Card. The Eagles drafted the Illini fan favorite in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has been a difference maker on special teams and as a rotational safety.

On Sunday Night, we get our first game featuring multiple former Illini. The Chargers and the Patriots have a combined 3 former Illini. Former Illini LB Del'Shawn Philips (2017-2018) went undrafted but has found a way to make it into the league and stick around as journeyman.

For the Patriots, there are two former Illini. Tommy Devito, former Illini quarterback in 2022, went undrafted but made the Giants roster in 2023. Devito played really well when given chances as a rookie and has solidified himself as a great backup quarterback in the league.

The other Illini on the New England Patriots is offensive lineman Verderian Lowe (2017-2021). Lowe was a 6th round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft but has been on the Patriots since 2023.

The Denver Broncos have earned the number 1 seed in the AFC and thus have earned a bye week in the playoffs. There are two former Illini on the Broncos. Offensive Lineman Alec Palczewski (2017-2022) was a 6-year starting lineman for the Illini but went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Denver Broncos and has become a starter due to injury for the last 10 weeks of the season.

The other Illini on the Denver Broncos might be the most familiar name. Wide Receiver Pat Bryant (2021-2024) played a huge role in the revival of the Illinois Football program. Bryant is in his rookie season as a 3rd round pick. Bryant has seen in increase in his usage as the season has gone along and should make some nice catches this postseason. Oh, and here is an excuse to show one of the craziest plays in the history of Illinois Football:

Last but certainly not least, the final Illini in the playoffs is Devon Witherspoon (2019-2022) on the Seattle Seahawks. Witherspoon's story is one of the greatest you will see as he came out of high school as a 0-star prospect from Pensacola, Florida and turned himself into one of the greatest cornerbacks in the history of Illinois Football, earning himself consensus All-American Honors in 2022. Witherspoon was selected by the Seahawks with the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He became the highest-drafted defensive back from Illinois, surpassing Vontae Davis (2009). Additionally, he became the fourth highest draft pick from Illinois since 1967, following only Jeff George (1st/1990), Kevin Hardy (2nd/1996), and Simeon Rice (3rd/1996). Witherspoon has made himself a name in the league as one of the best corners as well. He was recently named a Pro Bowler for the 3rd time in his 3rd season. WitherSpoon and Seattle have earned a bye in the NFC, so we will not see him until the Divisional Round.

Here are his 2022 highlights. Enjoy: