Chambana Sun

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant, outside linebackers Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas, and offensive lineman J.C. Davis have been named among the top players eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft as part of the Reese's Senior Bowl preseason watch list released Wednesday.

The Reese's Senior Bowl is widely regarded as a premier college football all-star game and a significant stage in the NFL Draft process. The event has taken place in Mobile, Alabama, for the past 75 years. More than 900 NFL personnel, including key decision-makers from all 32 teams, and over 1,100 media members were credentialed for the 2024 Senior Bowl which produced 110 total picks, representing 43% of the entire NFL draft.

Since its inception, 57 Fighting Illini have played in the Senior Bowl. Under head coach Bret Bielema's guidance, six former Illini—a program record for a three-year period—have participated in the annual showcase before pursuing NFL careers.

Notable participants under Bielema include Kerby Joseph (Round 3, Pick 97 - Detroit Lions), Chase Brown (Round 5, Pick 163 - Cincinnati Bengals), Sydney Brown (Round 3, Pick 66 - Philadelphia Eagles), Jartavius Martin (Round 2, Pick 47 - Washington Commanders), Isaiah Adams (Round 3, Pick 71 - Arizona Cardinals), and Keith Randolph Jr. (Free Agent - Chicago Bears). Additionally, consensus All-Americans Devon Witherspoon (2023) and Jer'Zhan Newton (2024) earned invitations but did not participate before being selected in their respective NFL drafts.

Pat Bryant recorded a reception in all 12 games during the 2023 season, leading his team with seven touchdown catches. His performance included seven catches for a career-high of 131 yards and a touchdown against Indiana on November 11th.

Seth Coleman started all games at outside linebacker over the last two seasons. In the previous season alone, he recorded nine tackles for loss and six sacks—all on road games against Big Ten opponents.

J.C. Davis transferred to Illinois from New Mexico with one year of eligibility remaining. He started all games over his last two seasons at New Mexico and was ranked as one of the highest-graded tackles returning to college football by PFF.

Gabe Jacas was named a Freshman All-American by multiple outlets in his debut season and has consistently contributed to his team with notable defensive statistics throughout his collegiate career.

The watch list also includes other Illini players like Kaden Feagin for Doak Walker Award consideration and Zakhari Franklin for Comeback Player of the Year.