Top 3 Key Players Returning to Illinois Football for the 2025 Season

After the major announcement that outside linebacker Gabe Jacas will return to Illinois Football in 2025, the Illini’s list of “must-have” retentions for the upcoming season is seemingly finalized.

Dec 31, 2024. Credit – Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images.

1. QB – Luke Altmyer

2024 Stats: 2,717 total yards, 22 touchdowns, 6 Interceptions, QBR: 69.0

2023 Stats: 1,883 total yards, 13 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, CPP: 64.8

Why? – Luke coming in at the top of the Illinois Football “key retentions” list will come as a surprise to very few, as his leadership within Barry Lunney Jr.’s offense was a prominent factor in the Illini’s success in 2024. Altmyer’s ability to command Lunney’s offense with a newfound level of confidence played a key role in elevating Illinois to a 10-3 season, thanks largely in part to an extensive offseason focus on Luke’s mental and physical health. Returning for another year, Altmyer has the opportunity to further solidify his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks in program history, in addition to boosting his NFL stock. With his experience and work ethic, he is well-positioned to lead Illinois to even greater success moving forward, making him the cornerstone of the Illini’s lofty 2025 aspirations.

Luke’s announcement of his return came in epic fashion, in front of a rocking 15,500 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, while the Illini took on no. 1 Tennessee. Despite not securing a victory on the hardwood, Altmyer sent fans home with a major victory for Illinois Football.

2. OLB/EDGE – Gabe Jacas

2024 Stats: 39 solo tackles, 3 Forced Fumbles, 8 Sacks, 10 tackles for loss.

Why? – Jacas, the most recent Illini player to confirm his return, sparked significant anticipation about his decision for the 2025 season. His official announcement (12/6) to spend another year in Champaign is undoubtedly a substantial boost for Aaron Henry’s defense.

A third-team All-Big Ten edge rusher and outside linebacker, Jacas is currently one of Illinois’ top NFL prospects (next to WR Pat Bryant, and DB Xavier Scott). His impressive 2024 performance could have easily warranted entering the NFL Draft. However, Gabe’s return positions him as a premier player in the Big Ten for 2025, in addition to being one of the nation’s top defensive linemen.

With continued progress, Jacas is poised to be a highly intriguing NFL prospect at this time next year. His ability to create havoc on the edge and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be a cornerstone of the Illini’s defensive success in the upcoming season.

3. DB – Xavier Scott

2024 Stats: 43 solo tackles, 4 Interceptions (including a massive pick-6 Vs Kansas), 1 Forced Fumbles, 1 Sack, 6 pass breakups.

Why? – Scott was a standout defensive player for Illinois in 2024 and the leader of an overall solid Illini secondary. His decision to return ensures that all of the Fighting Illini’s defensive back starters from 2024 will be back for another season, giving coach Corey Parker the opportunity to further elevate and develop his unit for 2025. With a plethora of new faces joining the defensive front, a strong secondary anchored by Scott provides crucial support, allowing more time to generate pressure, forcing dangerous passes and eventually turnovers—an area Scott excelled in 2024.

Scott led the Illini secondary with four interceptions this past season, including a game-changing pick-six against Jalon Daniels and Kansas. That pivotal play swung momentum in Illinois’ favor during a sold-out Memorial Stadium showdown, a victory that set the tone for a rare 10-win season for Illinois Football.

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