Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas is among the many pass rushers in Mobile, Alabama, who are looking to prove themselves during Senior Bowl week. Having watched Jacas at practice, he is a talented prospect who could fit what the Bucs are looking for. While not as highly regarded as Clemson’s T.J. Parker or Texas Tech’s Romello Height, he is in the next tier and projects as an early Day 2 pick.

During Senior Bowl Media Day on Wednesday, Jacas took time to talk with Pewter Report about his game, leading the Fighting Illini defense, and his desire to return to the state of Florida.

Gabe Jacas Leads By Example And “Had To Turn It Up” Late In The Season

Gabe Jacas is an intriguing player to spotlight. Just 21 years old, Jacas has a high ceiling and has flashed it as much, if not more than, other pass rushers entering the 2026 NFL Draft. He finished his time at Illinois second in school history with 27 sacks, behind only Bucs legend and Ring of Honor member Simeon Rice, who had 44.5 sacks. More than just statistics, what also stood out was Jacas being a team captain during his last college season.

Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Zachary Taft

To him, it was significant and he did not take the role lightly.

“It meant everything,” Jacas said. “I always see myself as a leader; I lead by example. I was a vocal leader, and to be voted [captain] from my teammates meant a lot. It’s something you earn, that isn’t given to you. It’s not given by coaches, regardless of what they think. It’s from your teammates, so it was a pretty cool moment for me.”

Jacas not only took a step up in the locker room, but on the field. He improved year over year in school, but it is what he did to end last season that stood out the most. When a lot of players begin to pack it in, he elevated his game to another level over the last month.

11/1 – Illinois vs. Rutgers: 4 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
11/15 – Illinois vs. Maryland: 2 tackles, half a sack
11/22 – Illinois at Wisconsin: 6 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
11/29 – Illinois vs. Northwestern: 4 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks

What led to the sudden surge in play?

“Just had to turn it up,” Jacas said. “A lot of people say you remember the games in November. That’s when a lot of people are banged up, sore, and they want to be done with the season. I was at my best when players were… whatever their thought process was, I just knew I had to finish the season really well. I just attacked the same things each week; I didn’t change my routine.

“Week in and week out, just kept the same routine, and that was the result of the season. I’m proud of myself and how I approached the weeks, even though I wasn’t where I was before that run I made in November. I just stayed consistent, stayed true to who I am.”

That mindset is one NFL teams will appreciate, as Jacas’ response is one built around being mentally strong and resilient.

Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Ron Johnson

“The season in the NFL is way longer, 17 games,” Jacas added. “If you’re playing in the playoffs, it can be 20-something games. That shows that even though it’s just 12 games, it’s a long season. Don’t doubt yourself, keep going each and every week. Keep a certain routine, remain who you are, just believe in yourself.”

That belief propelled him, but it helps when scouting him that he is another powerful pass rusher. Standing at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, he is stout, with his frame helping him attack the quarterback and aiding him in run defense. His bend and burst have stood out throughout the week in practice as he had a solid week.

Asked to provide a self-scouting report, Jacas shared his biggest strengths and areas that he would like to improve on entering the league.

“I got good speed, good power,” Jacas said. “I’m able to utilize my speed and power, I have really good hands. Very violent in the run game. Physical against tight ends, physical against tackles. I’m able to rush the passer very well. I think I’ve shown that week in and week out. Couple weaknesses, I would say to be consistent in my rushes. Creating more takeaways, creating more havoc plays. That’s just the name of the game.”

Gabe Jacas Wants To Be Drafted By The Bucs

When asked about whether or not he has ever watched Simeon Rice play, the most surprising comment Gabe Jacas made is that he hasn’t. Despite never watching Rice, Jacas obviously knows his legend simply from playing at Illinois.

Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Ron Johnson

“I never watched his film, which is crazy because while I was there a lot of people talked highly of him,” Jacas said. “Had 44 career sacks while he was there. Really good player, first-rounder. The fact that I finished second while I was there, wasn’t first but still a pretty cool achievement. Hopefully someone can beat that or beat 44.”

That would have to change quickly if he is drafted by the Bucs, as Rice is also Tampa Bay’s third-leading sacker with 69.5, only behind Lee Roy Selmon and Warren Sapp. After our interview, Pewter Report ran into Jacas again in the convention center, where he beamed about coming back to Florida. He would love to return to the state of Florida, as he was born in Port St. Lucie and played high school football at Fort Pierce Central.

“Tell them to come and get me.”

The Bucs need to add edge rushers this offseason and could even look to double dip at the position. When it comes to Gabe Jacas, he is a name to know and monitor not just now, but at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and leading up to the draft.

Watch Day 2 of Pewter Report’s Senior Bowl Coverage

Pewter Report discussed our observations and interview with Gabe Jacas, along with who else stood out during the second day of Senior Bowl practice. Check out our latest Pewter Report Podcast on the PewterReportTV YouTube channel for what you need to know about all the action in Mobile, Alabama.