Chambana Sun

Four University of Illinois football players have been named to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl Top 300 list, which highlights top prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. The players recognized are quarterback Luke Altmyer, offensive lineman J.C. Davis, outside linebacker Gabe Jacas, and defensive back Xavier Scott.

The Panini Senior Bowl is considered a key event in the NFL Draft process and has been held in Mobile, Alabama for the past 76 years. The game attracts more than 900 NFL personnel from all teams and over 1,100 media members annually. In April of this year, participants from the Senior Bowl accounted for about 40% of total selections in the NFL draft.

Since its beginning, 58 Illinois players have participated in the Senior Bowl. Under head coach Bret Bielema’s leadership since 2022, seven Illini have played in the showcase before moving on to professional careers.

"Under head coach Bret Bielema's guidance, seven former Illini - matching the program record for a four-year period - have played in the annual showcase before going on to NFL careers."

Recent notable participants include Kerby Joseph (Detroit Lions), Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals), Sydney Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), Jartavius Martin (Washington Commanders), Isaiah Adams (Arizona Cardinals), Keith Randolph Jr. (Chicago Bears as a free agent), and Pat Bryant (Denver Broncos). Additionally, consensus All-Americans Devon Witherspoon and Jer'Zhan Newton received invitations but did not participate before being selected early in their respective drafts.

Luke Altmyer was named a team captain for 2025 and appears on several preseason watch lists including those for national player of the year awards. He led Illinois to a tie of its single-season wins record last season with a 10-3 finish and posted five career game-winning drives.

J.C. Davis enters his senior season with 37 consecutive starts at left tackle and was recognized on multiple preseason All-Big Ten teams. He allowed no pressures during Illinois’ win over South Carolina in last season’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Gabe Jacas also serves as team captain this year and is featured on several national award watch lists after recording eight sacks last season—second among returning Big Ten players—and earning third-team All-America honors from Phil Steele.

Xavier Scott made first-team All-Big Ten according to media voters last year while leading conference cornerbacks in snaps played. He finished tied for second in interceptions within the Big Ten during regular season play.

Other Illini appearing on various preseason watch lists include Tanner Arkin (John Mackey Award), Hank Beatty (Paul Hornung Award), Kaden Feagin (Doak Walker Award), Lane Hansen (Patrick Mannelly Award), Aidan Laughery (Doak Walker Award), Kenenna Odeluga (Allstate AFCA Good Works Team/Allstate Wuerffel Trophy), Cole Rusk (Comeback Player of the Year) and head coach Bret Bielema himself for coaching honors.