Chambana Sun

Illinois outside linebacker Gabe Jacas has been included in the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. As he enters his senior season, Jacas is recognized as one of the top defensive players in college football.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List features 42 leading defensive players in college football, chosen for their impact both on and off the field. The selection is made by the Lott IMPACT Trophy Board of Directors. The award presentation takes place each December.

Previous winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy include Travis Hunter from Colorado in 2024, Junior Colson from Michigan in 2023, and Will Anderson from Alabama in 2022.

Jacas had an impressive performance during the 2024 season. He was named to the Phil Steele All-America Third Team and the All-Big Ten Third Team by both coaches and media. Starting all 13 games at outside linebacker, he recorded a total of 74 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Additionally, he achieved ten quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

In six games against ranked teams during 2024, Jacas accumulated 41 tackles with nine-and-a-half tackles for loss and five-and-a-half sacks. His efforts placed him among the top-25 nationally for forced fumbles (tied for 21st) and sacks (tied for 24th). In Big Ten games specifically, he tied with Oregon's Matayo Uiagalelei for second-most sacks with seven.

A highlight of his career came during Illinois' Cheez-It Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina on December 31, where he achieved a career-high three tackles for loss along with eight total tackles.