CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Sunday was the final day for NFL franchises to finalize their 53-man rosters for the 2026 season.
Through preseason games and training camp, teams are allowed up to 90 players before cuts are made, giving rookies and new signees an opportunity to find a spot on a finalized roster.
Even if players do not qualify for the opening day roster, many will be signed to practice squads for various organizations. Should future opportunities arise due to injuries, they can be maneuvered for regular season use.
Entering the 2026-27 season, 23 former Illini football players have landed on NFL rosters, according to multiple reports.
Recent additions include 2026 draft pickups Gabe Jacas (Patriots) and J.C. Davis (Giants), as well as undrafted free agent James Thompson Jr. (49ers).
Among numerous cuts are former quarterback Luke Altmyer from the Lions organization, wide receiver Hank Beatty from the Titans, and safety Miles Scott from the Broncos.
Rostered players from the Illinois program are below
ATL - Sydney Brown (S)
AZ - Isaiah Adams (G)
CIN - Chase Brown (RB), Ted Karras (C)
DEN - Pat Bryant (WR), Alex Palczewski (OL)
HOU - Jake Hansen (LB)
LAC - Del’Shawn Phillips (LB), TeRah Edwards (DL)
NE - Tanner Arkin (TE), Gabe Jacas (OLB), Tommy DeVito (QB)
NYG - J.C. Davis (OL)
NYJ - Isaiah Williams (WR)
SF - Nate Hobbs (CB), Vederian Lowe (OL), James Thompson Jr. (OL)
SEA - Devon Witherspoon (CB)
TB - Chase McLaughlin (PK)
TEN - Tony Adams (S)
WSH - Nick Allegretti (C), Quan Martin (S), Jer’Zhan Newton (DT)
Reserve/Injured: CLE - Kendrick Green (G)
PUP: AZ - Tip Reiman (TE), DET - Kerby Joseph (S)
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