CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Three Fighting Illini were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with nine more earning opportunities as undrafted free agents as of Sunday afternoon.Â
OLB Gabe Jacas was selected by the New England Patriots (Round 2, No. 55), OL J.C. Davis was taken by the New York Giants (Round 6, No. 192), and DB Miles Scott was drafted by the Denver Broncos (Round 7, No. 246), becoming the latest Illini to hear their names called at the NFL Draft.Â
Illinois now has 261 all-time NFL Draft picks dating back to 1937. The Illinois program has produced NFL Draft selections in seven consecutive seasons (2021-26), with multiple Illini coming off the board in six of those years. Â Â
Head coach Bret Bielema has had 59 NFL Draft picks during his 17 seasons as a head coach, seventh-most among active NCAA head coaches. Bielema has had at least one selection in all 17 of his seasons as a college head coach and has produced three or more draft picks 13 times.
NFL Draft Notes
OLB Gabe Jacas, 2nd round (No. 55 overall), New England Patriots
Jacas was the highest drafted Illinois edge rusher since Jihad Ward in Round 2 (No. 44 overall) by the Oakland Raiders in 2016.Â
Read More:Â Gabe Jacas Drafted No. 55 Overall by Patriots
OL J.C. Davis, 6th round (No. 71 overall), New York Giants
Adams was the fourth Illinois offensive lineman drafted in Bret Bielema's five seasons at Illinois, joining Isaiah Adams in 2024 by the Arizona Cardinals (Round 2, No. 71), Vederian Lowe in 2022 by the Minnesota Vikings (Round 6, No. 184), and Doug Kramer in 2022 by Chicago Bears (Round 6, No. 207).
Read More:Â J.C. Davis Drafted No. 192Â Overall by Giants
DB Miles Scott, 7th round (No. 246 overall), Denver Broncos
Scott was the fifth Illinois defensive back selected in Bret Bielema's five seasons at Illinois, following Kerby Joseph's selection by Detroit in 2022 (Round 3, No. 97), and three selections in 2023 of Devon Witherspoon by Seattle (Round 1, No. 5), Quan Martin by Washington (Round 2, No. 47), and Sydney Brown by Philadelphia (Round 3, No. 66).
Read More:Â Miles Scott Drafted No. 246 Overall by Broncos
NFL Draft Results and Free Agent Signings
