Gabe Jacas
Career Summary
Gabe Jacas is a Florida native and Illinois edge defender selected by New England in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jacas spent four seasons at Illinois, becoming one of the program's most productive pass rushers before the New England Patriots selected him in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Early Life
Jacas is from Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Jacas grew up in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and attended Fort Pierce Central High School.
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College Career
Jacas played 50 games over four seasons at Illinois and became one of the Big Ten's top edge rushers.
At Illinois from 2022 through 2025, Jacas totaled 183 tackles, 27 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 50 games. His 27 career sacks finished second in Illinois history.
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Path to the NFL
Four productive Illinois seasons and a senior-year Big Ten sack title made Jacas a second-round prospect.
Jacas developed from a Freshman All-American into a three-time All-Big Ten performer at Illinois. As a 2025 captain, he led the Big Ten with 11 sacks before New England drafted him.
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NFL Career
New England selected Jacas 55th overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Patriots selected Jacas with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He entered New England as a rookie linebacker and edge defender.
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Career Accomplishments
Jacas was a Freshman All-American, three-time All-Big Ten honoree, and two-time Phil Steele All-American at Illinois.
Jacas earned Freshman All-American and Illinois Rookie of the Year recognition in 2022. He later earned Phil Steele All-America honors in 2024 and 2025, and his 2025 11-sack season led the Big Ten and ranked sixth nationally.
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Playing Style
Jacas is a powerful, versatile edge defender capable of playing with his hand down or standing up.
NFL draft analysis described Jacas as well-built with tremendous play strength and the ability to play as either a hand-down end or stand-up edge. The evaluation emphasized his force, leg drive, and ability to hold his ground against power.
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32508, 00-0041569, 5/27/2004, Gabe Jacas, Gabe, Jacas
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 0.0
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.