Gabe Jacas Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Ron Johnson/IMAGN Images)

School: Illinois

Class: Senior

Position:EDGE

HT:6’3

WT: 275 lbs

Background: Gabe Jacas was a 3-star edge rusher in the 2022 class out of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Jacas was a top 100 player at his position, but was a less recruited player. Gabe played for Fort Pierce Central High School, making an incredible impact on an elite team. As a senior, Jacas won the TCPalm Male Athlete of the Year. He was also a state champion wrestler as a senior for Fort Pierce Central. His brother, Khaliq, plays football for FIU. Gabe Jacas chose to play for Illinois over Tennessee, FIU, and others.

College: Gabe Jacas made an instant impact as a freshman for the Illini in 2022. He won Freshman All-American honors with multiple outlets while also being named All-Big 10 honorable mention. Jacas put up 4 sacks and 4 TFLs as a sophomore in 2023 before taking a huge leap as a junior. His 2024 junior season was one of the best in the country. He posted 13 TFLs and 8 sacks on his way to being named an All-Big 10 Third Team member and a Phil Steele All-American. As a team captain in 2025, Jacas had his best numbers yet with 13.5 TFLs and 11 sacks. He was named an All-Big 10 First Team selection as a senior.

Strengths: Gabe Jacas plays with evident strength on every rep. As a run defender, he does well to maintain gaps and clog rushing lanes by planting his lower half into the ground and absorbing down blocks. He has a knack for the football and loves making tackles in the run game. He wants to set the tone on every rep, imposing his will with big-time contact. As a pass rusher, Jacas has incredible bend to set the edge and get into the backfield. He has active hands in the phone booth to deconstruct blocks and redirect linemen. When he works himself past the quarterback, he does well to get back in the fight and make a play in the backfield.

Weaknesses: Jacas is not an overly explosive or athletic player. He relies more on technique and physicality to win. As a run defender, Jacas can slip into a habit of impatience. He launches toward the football, excited to make a big play, but can leave himself vulnerable to be beat in the open field. Jacas is not fast in pursuit. He is not going to hawk down a ball carrier across the field when he breaks free. If he is going to get to the quarterback, it will likely be in the pocket.

Conclusion: Gabe Jacas is a violent player who delivers pop on each hit. He is a relentless pass rusher with a will to finish each play with an exclamation point. Jacas shows a willingness to contain the run as well, making him an attractive option as a three-down player in the NFL.

Best Team Fits: MIA, PHI, IND

Player Comparison: Bud Dupree

Player Grade: Round 3 (73.7)