Illinois Football: Post NFL Combine Mock Draft Projections

The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh (PA), and as teams finalize their draft boards, several former Illinois Football standouts are making their case to hear their names called on the big stage.

This week, the NFL Combine wrapped up at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, giving prospects like Luke Altmyer, Gabe Jacas, and J.C. Davis a platform to showcase their athleticism, skills, and football IQ in front of every NFL decision-maker. Meanwhile, others such as Xavier Scott and Hank Beatty, who weren’t invited to the combine, still have plenty of opportunities to improve their draft stock through pro days, team visits, and interviews.

That said, Illini fans have some exciting potential NFL storylines to keep an eye on. Of course, while no mock projection is final until all 257 picks are in, each of these former Illini has certainly demonstrated the talent, work ethic, and character to compete at the next level—putting themselves in position to achieve the lifelong goal of hearing that life-changing phone call.

Now that the combine is behind them, let’s take a closer look at how these Illinois Football stars performed in Indianapolis and what projections are saying about their draft potential.

Illinois Football. Luke Altmyer. No. 9. At Duke. 9/6/25. Luke Altmyer and fans. Photo Credit: Illinois Football on X. (@IlliniFootball).

QB Luke Altmyer 

Luke Altmyer built a reputation with Illinois Football as one of the most productive and decorated quarterbacks in program history. After transferring out of his home state from Ole Miss following his freshman season, the Starkville (MS) native became a three-year starter for the Fighting Illini, throwing for over 7,900 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career–quickly becoming a fan favorite 

At the Combine, Altmyer ran a 4.72-second 40-yard dash, showcasing the mobility that sets him apart from many pocket passers with similar arm talent. During positional drills, he demonstrated solid mechanics, accuracy, and comfort operating under pressure. While he may not possess elite arm strength compared to the very top quarterbacks in the class, his leadership, football IQ, and ability to make quick, sound decisions have caught the attention of scouts across the league. Current projections place him as a late-round pick (5th-7th round) or a priority free agent, with potential to serve as a developmental quarterback and compete for a backup role with future starting upside. Regardless, Luke’s dream of playing at the next level (as well as a nice payday) appears to be looking likely in his near future.

Whoever takes Luke in the later rounds is getting a steal – even just as a strong depth piece. On the field, he’s a proven leader of Illinois’ offense who performs well under pressure and has the numbers/film to prove it. However, off the field, Luke’s an exceptional young man. He’s someone who has faced adversity, grown through it, earned the utmost respect of his teammates and coaches, and quietly lifted everyone around him. He’s definitely the kind of kid you root for and the kind of leader every locker room needs.

OLB/EDGE Gabe Jacas

Gabe Jacas capped a dominant edge rushing career with Illinois Football by finishing second in program history (Behind only Simeon Rice – 44.5 sacks) with 27 sacks, consistently providing a disruptive presence on a defensive front that struggled under former DC Aaron Henry to generate consistent pressure as a unit.

Plus, he proved his abilities against the run, not only against top Big Ten competition (183 career tackles) in a trench-heavy conference but also with a strong showing at this year’s Senior Bowl.

At the Combine, Jacas impressed scouts with his explosive burst off the line, physicality, and ability to play both outside and occasionally inside when needed. He also turned heads with 30 reps on the bench press, showcasing elite upper-body strength. While some technical refinements are certainly necessary, his relentless motor, playmaking ability, and proven production make him a strong Day 2 prospect. Analysts project him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick, with potential to contribute in the league early as a situational pass rusher, that can develop into a starting role down the road.

OT J.C. Davis

J.C. Davis has been a consistent anchor on Illinois’s offensive line during his two seasons in Champaign. Following a transition from New Mexico State to the Big Ten, Davis earned All-Big Ten honors at Illinois and possessed the combination of size, strength, and seasoned ability that strong competition NFL teams look for in a pro-ready lineman. He’s faced elite pass rushers throughout his career in the Big Ten, which undoubtedly helps sharpen his technique and prepare him for the speed and physicality he’ll see at the next level

At the Combine, Davis measured at over 6‑4 at 320 pounds, with noticeably long arm measurements (34 1/4). He also ran a 40-yard dash in the mid-5.1-second range. It’s not the quickest 40-time, but it is about typical for a lineman of his size and stature. Most analysts project him as an early day 3 (5th-6th round) selection, likely to rotate early and contribute in multiple roles, depending on need. Pending some development, JC could certainly become a very reliable starter in the NFL, as he was during his time in the trenches of the Big Ten.