Illinois' talented, physical 2026 NFL Draft pick had a strong debut for coach Mike Vrabel's New England Patriots.
The New England Patriots hit the road to face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks for Wednesday night's NFL opener, a rematch of Super Bowl LX. They were aided on defense by the efforts of a former Illinois Fighting Illini standout.
The game was marred by injuries to stars Sam Darnold and AJ Brown but also included plenty of thrilling plays, including one from 2026 Patriots second-round pick Gabe Jacas, who starred in Champaign, Ill., with coach Bret Bielema's Fighting Illini team.
Jacas once again demonstrated the physicality and anticipation skills that made him one of the Big Ten's most feared defenders, as he recorded his first-ever NFL sack in his first game.
Sep 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Gabe Jacas(50) celebrates with defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (92) after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Jacas Makes Presence Felt on National TV
Jacas made his presence felt on national TV Wednesday as he chipped in for a Patriots defense that held the defending champions to 13 points in a 13-10 road loss.
The former Illini star got a shout-out from the NFL's official X account, which shared video of him shuffling inside of a Seahawks guard and tackling rookie running back Jadarian Price, formerly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, for loss.
Jacas also faced a rare challenge for a rookie that shows how much Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury respects his talents. Jacas was double teamed on a pass rush against backup quarterback Drew Lock, but it did nothing to deter him.
He beat the inside blocker and fought through a block from the outside man, chasing down Lock from behind to record his first NFL sack, a play that impressed announcers Chris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico.
Jacas' Rookie Outlook
Jacas' name got lost this offseason because of the immense talents of fellow rookie defenders like David Bailey, Sonny Styles, Rueben Bain, Jr., Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs, all of whom have garnered Rookie of the Year consideration.
Illinois and Big Ten fans know all too well what a mistake it is to underestimate the Fort Pierce, Florida native Jacas' talents.
Jacas has the size, skill, strength and motor to play both defensive end and linebacker and the talent to cause havoc in opposing teams' backfields all season long.
He recorded 13 or more tackles for loss in each of his last two seasons in Champaign including a career-high 11 sacks during his senior season.
With Vrabel as his defensive-minded head coach and the confidence of the Patriots' coaching staff behind him, the former Illini star is a player to watch over the next few weeks.
Next up for the Patriots is a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers followed by road games against the Jaguars and Bills. With one sack under his belt already, Jacas appears poised for a strong rookie season, and the continuation of a great college career, in the National Football League for this season and beyond.
