Illinois Football Players on NFL Active Rosters
As of Sept. 8, 2026 (NFL Week 1), twenty‑two former Illinois Fighting Illini football players are on active 53‑man rosters across the league. This snapshot highlights the breadth of talent that has transitioned from Champaign to the professional level and provides a reference point for fans, analysts, and recruiters.
Active Roster Overview
The following table lists each player, his position, current NFL team, years at Illinois, and draft status. No players are currently on Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), Injured Reserve (IR), or the practice squad, indicating that all listed athletes are active and eligible for game‑day participation.
| Name | Position | Team | Years at Illinois | Draft Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Adams | OG | Arizona Cardinals | 2022-23 | 2024 (Round 3, #71 Overall) |
| Tony Adams | S | Tennessee Titans | 2017-21 | 2022 (Free Agent) |
| Nick Allegretti | C | Washington Commanders | 2014-18 | 2019 (Round 7, #216 Overall) |
| Tanner Arkin | TE | New England Patriots | 2023-25 | 2026 (Free Agent) |
| Chase Brown | RB | Cincinnati Bengals | 2019-22 | 2023 (Round 5, #163 Overall) |
| Sydney Brown | S | Atlanta Falcons | 2018-22 | 2023 (Round 3, #66 Overall) |
| Pat Bryant | WR | Denver Broncos | 2021-24 | 2025 (Round 3, #74 Overall) |
| J.C. Davis | OT/OG | New York Giants | 2024-25 | 2026 (Round 6, #192 Overall) |
| Tommy DeVito | QB | New England Patriots | 2022 | 2023 (Free Agent) |
| TeRah Edwards | DT | Carolina Panthers | 2022-24 | 2025 (Free Agent) |
| Jake Hansen | LB | Houston Texans | 2016-21 | 2022 (Free Agent) |
| Nate Hobbs | CB | San Francisco 49ers | 2017-20 | 2021 (Round 5, #167 Overall) |
| Gabe Jacas | OLB | New England Patriots | 2022-25 | 2026 (Round 2, #55 Overall) |
| Ted Karras | C | Cincinnati Bengals | 2011-15 | 2016 (Round 6, #221 Overall) |
| Vederian Lowe | OT | San Francisco 49ers | 2017-21 | 2022 (Round 6, #184 Overall) |
| Quan Martin | S | Washington Commanders | 2018-22 | 2023 (Round 2, #47 Overall) |
| Chase McLaughlin | PK | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2014-18 | 2019 (Free Agent) |
| Jer’Zhan Newton | DT | Washington Commanders | 2020-23 | 2024 (Round 2, #36 Overall) |
| Alex Palczewski | OT/OG | Denver Broncos | 2017-22 | 2023 (Free Agent) |
| Del’Shawn Phillips | ILB | Los Angeles Chargers | 2017-18 | 2019 (Free Agent) |
| James Thompson Jr. | DT | San Francisco 49ers | 2025 | 2026 (Free Agent) |
| Isaiah Williams | WR | New York Jets | 2019-23 | 2024 (Free Agent) |
| Devon Witherspoon | CB | Seattle Seahawks | 2019-22 | 2023 (Round 1, #5 Overall) |
Notable Players
Several former Illini are making an immediate impact on their respective teams. Devon Witherspoon, selected fifth overall in 2023, is expected to anchor the Seattle Seahawks’ secondary as a starting cornerback. Jer’Zhan Newton, a second‑round pick in 2024, brings a powerful interior pass rush to the Washington Commanders. On the offensive line, Nick Allegretti and Ted Karras provide veteran depth at center for the Commanders and Bengals, respectively. In the backfield, Chase Brown looks to secure a larger role with the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted in the fifth round in 2023.
Draft History and Pathways
The 2026 active roster includes a mix of drafted players and undrafted free agents. Nine of the twenty‑two players were selected in the NFL Draft, spanning rounds one through seven, illustrating the program’s ability to develop talent across all levels of the draft. The remaining thirteen players entered the league as free agents, highlighting the depth of Illinois’ roster and the value of player development beyond the draft.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 season progresses, many of these players will be key contributors to their teams’ success. The presence of multiple starters and rotational pieces across the league underscores the continued influence of Illinois football on the professional game. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for breakout performances, especially from younger players such as Gabe Jacas and J.C. Davis, who are entering their first full seasons.
Conclusion
The twenty‑two Illinois Fighting Illini on active NFL rosters as of Week 1, 2026, reflect the program’s sustained pipeline to the pros. From high‑round picks to undrafted gems, these athletes exemplify the depth and quality of Illinois football, providing a compelling narrative for the upcoming season and beyond.
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