If you had told me before the season that Illinois versus Nebraska would be a game featuring two ranked teams I would not have believed you. Sure both teams should have a few players selected in the 2025 NFL draft, but these programs are not on the same level as Michigan or Ohio St. The fact that the winner will be 4-0 in the Big Ten makes this a much bigger game than was expected.
Nebraska Corner
Tommi Hill is a good size for a corner at six-feet tall and 205 pounds. The senior typically has his best games against better opponents and thrives under pressure. Hill is elite in zone coverage with the instinct to succeed at the next level. He also has return experience. The consensus draft big board has Hill #227. It makes no sense why he is so low. Some NFL draft analysts have him
significantly higher.
Hill was a corner when he transferred from Arizona St and
Nebraska switched him to wide receiver. Realizing he was a better corner, he switched back in 2023. Against Colorado, he went up against two of the best players in the country, WR Travis Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders. Hill was up to the
challenge and made the play of the game, jumping in front of Sander’s throw for a pick-six. It gave Nebraska a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and the Cornhuskers would go on to win 28-10
Illinois Prospects
For Illinois, Gace Jacas is a 6-foot-3 275-pound junior edge rusher. He is a terrific athlete for his size. Jacas is far from a finished prospect but has an NFL starter upside. I have seen some fouth-round grades on Jacas. QB Luke Altmeyer is off to a tremendous start. In three games, he has thrown for 687 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. OT JC Davis is a massive 6-foot-5 310-pound left tackle. Of these three Illini players, I could see Davis sneaking into the second round of the NFL draft.
Late-Round NFL Draft Possibilities
Ty Robinson is a 6-foot-5 310-pound DT who is off to a quick start. He has two sacks and two passes defended. Isaiah Naylor is a large-bodied WR with 12 catches for 187 yards and two TDs. Both of these Cornhuskers should be Day three picks in the draft.
Final Thoughts
This game not only has a lot of potential NFL draft picks but it is more important than you think. With the playoffs expanding to 12, teams like Nebraska and Illinois have a chance to sneak in. The winner of this game likely moves into the top 20 and gets into the playoff discussion. We all know the NFL draft evaluators will pay close attention to how prospects perform in the playoffs. Illinois plays at Nebraska this Friday at 8 Eastern on FOX.
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