Chambana Sun

Illinois All-Big Ten left tackle J.C. Davis has announced his decision to return to the University of Illinois for the 2025 season. Following a successful year, Davis was recognized as an All-Big Ten Third Team selection by the conference's coaches.

In 2024, Davis started all 13 games at left tackle, contributing significantly to Illinois tying its program record for wins in a single season with a victory over No. 14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. This upcoming season will mark his second with Illinois.

Davis boasts an impressive record of 37 consecutive career starts in FBS football, including 24 starts during his tenure at New Mexico. There, he earned accolades as an All-Mountain West First Team selection in 2023 and received honorable mention honors in 2022. Over his career, he has played 2,357 snaps at left tackle and allowed only two sacks across his last 25 games (1,462 snaps).

One of Davis' standout performances came against South Carolina when he allowed zero pressures and committed no penalties while protecting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer. His PFF pass-blocking grade of 87.6 in the Citrus Bowl ranked seventh-best among tackles nationwide during the postseason.

Davis is eligible to return due to an NCAA-approved blanket waiver granting an additional year of eligibility to former junior college transfers. He began his college journey at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California, back in 2021.

He is one of fourteen Illini players who earned All-Big Ten status this season; out of these fourteen players, twelve have the opportunity to return next year.