Fighting Illini All-American outside linebacker Gabe Jacas was selected by the New England Patriots as the No. 55 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to an April 24 announcement.
Jacas’s selection marks a significant achievement for both his personal career and for the University of Illinois football program. His performance at Illinois included a total of 183 tackles, with 97 solo stops, and he finished second in school history with 27 sacks. He also ranked ninth in program history with 35.5 career tackles for loss and tied for sixth with seven forced fumbles.
During his time at Illinois, Jacas received several honors including being named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America after his first season in 2022. He later earned All-America recognition from Phil Steele during his junior and senior years, helping lead Illinois to consecutive seasons with nine or more wins—a first for the program. As team captain in his senior year, he led the Big Ten Conference with eleven sacks, which was also sixth nationally.
The University of Illinois Fighting Illini men’s football team features student-athletes from various backgrounds and maintains strong alumni support through its network according to the official website. The team competes against Big Ten opponents as well as non-conference teams across different states according to the official website, while also engaging in community outreach programs and youth camps throughout central Illinois according to the official website.
Home games are played at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois according to the official website. The program has received recognition through All-Big Ten selections and bowl game appearances according to the official website, reflecting its status within collegiate athletics. The Fighting Illini compete within the Big Ten Conference according to the official website.
Jacas becomes only the eighth Illini drafted by New England and is their first defensive player chosen by that franchise since Michael Buchanan in 2013.
