With the NFL preseason now underway, a significant contingent of 36 former Illinois Fighting Illini athletes are actively pursuing positions on professional rosters. This initial week of games presents a crucial opportunity for these players to demonstrate their abilities and secure their futures in the league. From promising rookies striving to make an impact to established veterans looking to solidify their roles, the competition is fierce across multiple teams. Fans will be eager to see which of these collegiate stars successfully transition to the professional level and contribute to their respective franchises.
NFL Preseason Week 1 Spotlights Former Illinois Fighting Illini Talent
The NFL preseason began on Thursday, August 13, 2026, featuring numerous matchups with former Illinois Fighting Illini players. Josh Gesky of the Green Bay Packers is slated to be the first ex-Illini to take the field, currently listed as the third-string right guard. The Packers faced the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7:00 p.m. ET.
A significant storyline unfolded in the Detroit Lions versus Cincinnati Bengals game, also at 7:00 p.m. ET. With the unexpected retirement of backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, former Illinois standout Luke Altmyer seized a prime opportunity to secure the Lions' second-string quarterback position behind Jared Goff. Meanwhile, Bengals starters Ted Karras and Chase Brown were anticipated to have limited playing time. The Lions also featured Kerby Joseph and Melvin Priestly, while the Bengals had Ted Karras and Chase Brown.
In a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, the Indianapolis Colts, with offensive lineman Josh Kreutz, went against the New England Patriots, who showcased quarterback Tommy DeVito, linebacker Gabe Jacas, and tight end Tanner Arkin. Linebacker Gabe Jacas, a second-round pick, was under the spotlight after resolving a contract dispute that sidelined him for much of the summer. Tommy DeVito was expected to receive substantial playing time due to Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye's exceptional performance last season.
Later that evening, at 8:00 p.m. ET, the Arizona Cardinals, featuring offensive lineman Isaiah Adams and tight end Tip Reiman, faced the Las Vegas Raiders. Isaiah Adams was projected as the Cardinals' starting right guard, whether for Jacoby Brissett or rookie Carson Beck. Tip Reiman was recovering from an ankle injury and remained on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Another 8:00 p.m. ET game saw the Los Angeles Chargers, with linebackers Del'Shawn Phillips and TeRah Edwards, and wide receiver Dalevon Campbell, compete against the Houston Texans, who had linebacker Jake Hansen. Phillips and Edwards were listed as second-string defenders for the Chargers, while Hansen held a third-string linebacker role for the Texans.
Closing out Thursday's action at 9:00 p.m. ET, the Tennessee Titans, including defensive back Tony Adams and wide receiver Hank Beatty, took on the San Francisco 49ers, whose roster boasted wide receiver Malik Turner, defensive back Nate Hobbs, and offensive linemen Vederian Lowe and Doug Kramer, along with defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. Seven former Fighting Illini players were distributed between these two teams, with Hank Beatty having a strong chance to earn a roster spot among the Titans' wide receiver corps.
Friday, August 14, 2026, brought more excitement. At 7:00 p.m. ET, the Denver Broncos, featuring offensive lineman Alex Palczewski, wide receiver Pat Bryant, and defensive back Miles Scott, played against the Atlanta Falcons, who had defensive back Sydney Brown. Pat Bryant garnered praise from Broncos head coach Sean Payton and was expected to have an expanded role. Sydney Brown had been traded to the Falcons from the Philadelphia Eagles in March.
Also at 7:00 p.m. ET, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with kicker Chase McLaughlin, clashed with the New York Jets, who featured wide receiver Isaiah Williams. Isaiah Williams, listed as the Jets' fourth receiver, aimed to secure a special teams roster spot as a return specialist. Chase McLaughlin, entering his fourth season with the Buccaneers, had a successful previous year with impressive field goal and extra point conversion rates.
The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders played at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Commanders’ lineup included offensive lineman Nick Allegretti, defensive back Quan Martin, and defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton. Allegretti, Martin, and Newton were all projected starters, with Martin and Newton facing pressure to perform as their rookie contracts neared conclusion.
Saturday, August 15, 2026, continued the preseason schedule. At 1:00 p.m. ET, the Carolina Panthers, with wide receiver Casey Washington, faced the Buffalo Bills. Casey Washington faced tough competition for a roster spot on the Panthers, especially with the emergence of other talented receivers, after signing with Carolina in July following his release from the Atlanta Falcons.
Also at 1:00 p.m. ET, the Cleveland Browns, featuring offensive lineman Kendrick Green, played the Chicago Bears. Kendrick Green, though rostered by the Browns, was placed on injured reserve and did not participate.
The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, with offensive lineman J.C. Davis, also had a 1:00 p.m. ET game. J.C. Davis, a sixth-round draft pick, was listed as the Giants' third-string left tackle behind Andrew Thomas and Marcus Mbow.
Finally, at 8:00 p.m. ET, the Dallas Cowboys battled the Seattle Seahawks, whose defensive back Devon Witherspoon was a key player. Devon Witherspoon, coming off a Super Bowl LX victory and Second Team All-Pro honors, was expected to have limited playing time due to his established status as one of the league's top cornerbacks.
Several other games on Saturday, August 15, including the Los Angeles Rams versus Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars versus New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles versus Baltimore Ravens, did not feature any former Illinois Fighting Illini players.
The initial week of NFL preseason action underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unforgiving nature of professional sports. For many of these former collegiate athletes, every snap, every tackle, and every catch is a testament to years of dedication and a critical step towards realizing their dreams. It serves as a reminder that the path to success in the NFL is paved with hard work, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Beyond the individual battles for roster spots, these games also offer a glimpse into the future of the league, as new talent emerges and establishes its presence, promising exciting seasons ahead.
