Chambana Sun

Illinois linebacker Gabe Jacas has announced his decision to return to the team for the 2025 season. Jacas, who was recognized as an All-Big Ten outside linebacker, played a significant role in Illinois' successful 2024 campaign.

During the 2024 season, Jacas started all 13 games and contributed to Illinois tying its program record with ten wins. The team's victory over South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl highlighted his performance, where he recorded eight tackles and three tackles for loss.

Jacas received several accolades for his performance throughout the season. He was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team by both coaches and media and earned Phil Steele All-America Third Team honors. His statistics included ranking fifth in the Big Ten for tackles for loss with 13.0, while nationally, he was tied for 21st in forced fumbles with three and tied for 24th in sacks with eight.

Over his three seasons at Illinois, Jacas has played in 38 games, starting 31 of them. His career stats include 140 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and four forced fumbles. In the previous season alone, he accumulated impressive numbers against ranked teams: 41 tackles, nine-and-a-half tackles for loss, five-and-a-half sacks, and two forced fumbles.

With a total of 16 career sacks so far, Jacas ranks ninth in Illinois history. He is among fourteen Illini players who achieved All-Big Ten status this season; twelve of these players have the option to return next year.