Gabe Jacas

Summary

Gabe Jacas (21 years old) is a Senior edge rusher and four-year contributor for the University of Illinois. The Port Saint Lucie native is 6031 and 260 lbs with 32 6/8” arms and 8 3/8” hands. Jacas (pronounced ACK-iss) totaled 35.5 TFL and 27 sacks in his career at Illinois, with 13.5 TFL and 11 sacks as a Senior. For his efforts, Jacas was voted as a First-Team All-Big Ten performer as a Senior by the media. He was named a Third-Team All-Big Ten performer following his Junior season. Additionally, Jacas served as one of six team captains in 2025 and was invited to the 2026 Senior Bowl. Jacas participated in practice but did not play in the game. As a collegiate player, Jacas never missed a game due to injury for the Illini. In high school, Jacas suffered a severe hand injury where his hand went through a window which caused nerve damage. He has gone on to fully recover after months of physical therapy.

Strengths

• Bully Ball: Plays with strength and consistently converts his speed to power. Jacas has an impressive get-off and plays with a temperament similar to recent first round pick Jared Verse

• Versatility: Has plenty of experience playing across the front in both a two-point and three-point stance. That versatility and experience will make Jacas appealing to most coaches.

• Non-Stop Motor: Jacas’ play style is appealing with his effort and hatred for being blocked. He is not a player that will take plays off or fail to pursue from the backside.

• Violent Rip: Turn on the tape and you’ll see Jacas show the ability to rip and bend the edge with ease – and he’s only scratching the surface developing his rush repertoire.

Weaknesses

• Lack of Length: For traditional scouting, most scouts will look for arm length that exceeds 33” while Jacas’ arms at 32 3/8”.

• Run Defense: Effort is not a concern, but Jacas will need to improve upon his pad level and gap integrity at the next level to become a plus-level run defender.

• Master of None?: Depending on who you listen to and what defense you are running, Jacas may not be atop your list of edge rushers. Namely, teams that are looking for a pure speed rusher to serve in their rotation, Jacas likely won’t fit that mold.

• Repertoire Expansion: While the flashes and signs are there, Jacas will need to continue work on counters to add to his cross chop and rip moves that he deploys now.

Outlook

Jacas is a rugged bully on the edge who shows the ability to win in a multitude of ways and line up in multiple places. Most teams will have a vision of how to use a player with his skillset, but he is not the pure “fast ball” edge rusher some teams are looking for as a designated pass rusher. While he will need to improve against the run, it’s not hard to imagine a player with his strength, motor, character, and motor improving in that facet. Jacas profiles as a potential starting edge rusher in the NFL who would help any defense establish a physical culture on that side of the ball with his rugged play style and his resume certainly merits a day two selection.

Pro Comparison: Matthew Judon

Team Fits: JAX, NE, BAL, CIN, DET