Fighting Illini All-American J.C. Davis was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round (No. 192 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to an April 25 announcement from the University of Illinois.
Davis is the second player from Illinois picked in this year’s draft, following EDGE Gabe Jacas’ selection by the New England Patriots in Round 2 at No. 55 overall. The news highlights ongoing recognition for student-athletes from Illinois, who come from diverse backgrounds and benefit from alumni support through the Fighting Illini Network, according to the official website.
Davis started 25 games for Illinois during his two seasons after transferring from New Mexico, where he earned two All-Mountain West selections. He began his college football career at Contra Costa College as a freshman in 2021 before joining Illinois and competing against Big Ten and non-conference teams across multiple states, as reported by the official website.
During his time with Illinois, Davis received back-to-back All-Big Ten honors and was named to Phil Steele’s All-America Fourth Team in 2025 after being rated as PFF’s No. 3 left tackle nationally. In addition to individual accolades, he helped lead Illinois to nine or more wins in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history and contributed to a bowl victory over South Carolina without allowing any pressures during that game.
The University of Illinois Fighting Illini men’s football team also engages with its community through outreach programs and youth camps held in central Illinois, according to information provided on its official website. Home games are played at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, where players have received recognition through conference honors and bowl appearances while competing within the Big Ten Conference.
Davis is now among ten former Illini drafted by the Giants and is their first since David Diehl was chosen in Round 5 of the 2003 draft.
