Gabe Jacas, Illinois Fighting Illini, LB - News, Stats, Bio

Big Ten Standings

Team	Conf	Overall
IND	9-0	16-0
OHIOST	9-0	12-2
OREG	8-1	13-2
USC	7-2	9-4
MICH	7-2	9-4
IOWA	6-3	9-4
WASH	5-4	9-4
ILL	5-4	9-4
MINN	5-4	8-5
NEB	4-5	7-6
NWEST	4-5	7-6
PSU	3-6	7-6
UCLA	3-6	3-9
RUT	2-7	5-7
WISC	2-7	4-8
MICHST	1-8	4-8
MD	1-8	4-8
PURDUE	0-9	2-10

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Summary

Gabe Jacas is a powerful, high-motor defensive lineman who wins with brute strength and relentless effort. While he isn’t the most explosive athlete in space, he excels at bull rushing opponents and using heavy hands to collapse the pocket. He’s a disruptive force who plays with a nonstop motor.

About

Two-time All-Big Ten (first team in 2025, third team in 2023)
2024-25: 26.5 TFL, 19.0 sacks over past two seasons

Strengths

Exceptionally heavy hands to control offensive linemen.
Relentless motor that allows him to re-engage and disrupt plays.
Effective bull rush capable of walking blockers back into the quarterback.

Weaknesses

Limited lateral quickness and struggles with short-area movement.
Lacks a diverse pass-rush arsenal beyond straight-line power.
Inconsistent run-gap discipline due to over-eager “gap guessing” and misdirection.