The 2026 NFL Draft is Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25 and several University of Illinois football players could soon begin their careers at the next level.
At least one Fighting Illini player has been drafted in each of the last five years, and that streak is expected to continue.
Here’s a look at the Illini prospects heading into the first round of the draft. The projections are from the NFL Mock Draft Database.
Gabe Jacas, DE
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound all-American edge rusher led the Big Ten in sacks with 11. He’s projected as a second-round pick.
JC Davis, OL
The 6-foot-5, 335-pound all-American offensive lineman ended the regular season with 49 consecutive starts and ranked the No. 3 left tackle in the nation by Pro Football Focus. He’s projected as a fifth-round pick.
Luke Altmyer, QB
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound QB1 was an all-Big Ten pick and team captain who was named MVP of the Music City Bowl. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
James Thompson Jr., DL
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound all-Big Ten honorable mention selection played and started in all 13 games. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
Miles Scott, S
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound all-Big Ten honorable mention pick led the team with three interceptions. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
Josh Gesky, OL
The 6-foot-5, 335-pound all-Big Ten honorable mention pick started all 13 games at left guard. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
Hank Beatty, WR
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound all-American had 70 receptions for 864 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2025. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
Tanner Arkin, TE
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound posted 13 receptions for 144 receiving yards and two touchdowns as a 13-game starter last season. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
Davin Stoffel, TE
The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder played in all 13 games last season, recording one reception for 24 yards. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
Dylan Rosiek, LB
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound team captain had 50 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one interception last season. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
Leon Lowery Jr., LB
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound four-game starter tied for second on the team with 2.0 sacks during the regular season. He’s projected as undrafted free agent.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Which Illinois Fighting Illini football players were chosen in NFL Draft? Here’s the list
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
