Two Illini defenders make national watch list
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Two more Illinois football players are in the running for a national award ahead of the 2025 season.

Outside linebacker Gabe Jacas and defensive back Xavier Scott were named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Tuesday.

The Nagurski Trophy goes to the best defensive player in college football each year. Scott and Jacas, both are two of 60 players on the list. Illinois is one of 12 teams in the country with multiple players on the list.

The award is voted on by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and members of the Football Writers Association of America.

The defensive honors come after Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer was named to the 2025 Maxwell Award watch list on Monday.

Altmyer and Jacas both made the preseason All-Big Ten team.

Illinois opens its 2025 campaign on Friday, Aug. 29 at home against Western Illinois.

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