Editor’s note: This list originally included Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott. He announced Jan. 15 he was returning to Illinois for the 2026 season.
The NFL Draft season is here, and a handful of Illinois Fighting Illini football players are expected to be among those whose names get called in Pittsburgh on April 23-25, 2026.
At least one Fighting Illini player has been drafted each of the last five years, and that streak is expected to continue with as many as three former Illinois players projected to be selected in the seven-round draft.
Here is a look at each of the prospects, their average rankings and projected round according to a panel of experts compiled by NFL Draft Buzz, and the best NFL fit according to NFL Draft Database:
Gabe Jacas
JC Davis
Luke Altmyer
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 3 Illinois Fighting Illini players who could be drafted into NFL
Reporting by Wes Huett, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
