Bret Bielema, the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, has voiced his belief that more than just three of his standout seniors deserve a spotlight at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. In a tweet on February 12, Bielema expressed his view that the NFL sometimes misses the mark initially when selecting participants.
While the NFL Combine is a prestigious event, not every deserving player gets an invite. This makes the Illini's Pro Day on March 12 a critical opportunity for those who weren't invited but still harbor dreams of making it to the NFL. Key players to watch include DL James Thompson Jr., OL Melvin Priestly, OL Josh Gesky, WR Hank Beatty, DB Miles Scott, and TE Tanner Arkin.
However, three Illini players did secure spots among the 319 prospects attending this week's NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This event is a comprehensive showcase where athletes undergo rigorous testing, participate in position-specific drills, and engage in interviews with representatives from all 32 NFL teams.
The spotlight will be on QB Luke Altmyer, OL J.C. Davis, and EDGE Gabe Jacas as they look to impress.
The Combine kicks off on Thursday and runs through Sunday, offering these athletes a prime stage to elevate their draft stock. Historically, a Combine invite is a positive indicator, though it doesn't guarantee a draft selection. Between 2022 and 2025, 15 Illini received Combine invitations, with 10 ultimately being drafted.
As the Combine unfolds, the focus will be on what Altmyer, Davis, and Jacas can demonstrate to NFL scouts and executives. Their performances could be pivotal in shaping their professional futures and fulfilling their NFL aspirations.