Jacas, Scott Named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Two Illinois defensive standouts, outside linebacker Gabe Jacas and defensive back Xavier Scott, have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Tuesday.

The Illini duo is among 60 players listed in consideration for the National Defensive Player of the Year honor. Illinois is one of 12 programs nationally with multiple players listed on the preseason watch list along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, and Texas Tech. Illinois defensive lineman Johnny Newton was one of five finalists for the trophy in 2023. 

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is presented to the best defensive player in college football each year. Launched in 1993 to complement the Heisman Trophy Award, the Bronko Nagursky Trophy is voted on by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and members of the Football Writers Association of America. The trophy is named in honor of Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer Bronko Nagurski.

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy Website
• Last three winners:
  • 2024: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
  • 2023: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
  • 2022: Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama

• 2025 Athlon Preseason All-America Third Team
• 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
• 2025 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten First Team
• 2025 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten First Team
• 2025 Big Ten Preseason Honors
• No. 20 overall player in college football according to CBS.com's spring rankings
• No. 2 in the Big Ten in sacks among returners (8.0) behind only Oregon's Matayo Uiagalelei (10.5)
• 2024 Phil Steele All-America Third Team
• 2024 All-Big Ten Third Team (Coaches and Media)
• Started all 13 games at outside linebacker and had 74 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery 
• Totaled 41 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in six games against ranked teams in 2024
• Finished the 2024 regular season top-25 nationally in forced fumbles (t-21st, 3) and sacks (t-24th, 8.0)
• Tied with Oregon DE Matayo Uiagalelei for second-most sacks in Big Ten games (7.0)
• Career-high 3.0 tackles for loss and eight tackles in Illinois' Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win over #14 South Carolina (12/31/24)

• 2025 Athlon Preseason All-America Fourth Team
• 2025 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten First Team
• 2025 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten First Team
• No. 139 overall player in college football according to CBS.com's spring rankings
• 2024 Phil Steele All-America Honorable Mention
• 2024 All-Big Ten First Team (Media)
• 2024 All-Big Ten Second Team (Coaches)
• 2024 AP All-Big Ten First Team
• 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist as one of the top 15 defensive backs in college football
• Started all 13 games at defensive back in 2024, recording 49 tackles (43 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and six pass breakups
• Tied for second in the Big Ten and 15th in the nation in interceptions (4) during the 2024 regular season
• Led Big Ten cornerbacks in snaps played (792)
• No. 3-ranked cornerback in the Big Ten by PFF (82.3)
• No. 4-ranked tackling grade among cornerbacks in the Big Ten by PFF (85.1)
• First-career pick six, first-career two-interception game, and one forced fumble to lead Illinois to a win vs. #19 Kansas (9/7/24)

• Luke Altmyer – Maxwell Award
• J.C. Davis – Outland Trophy
• Gabe Jacas – Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy
• Xavier Scott – Bronko Nagurski Trophy