Jake Pope, OT, Illinois State | 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Zoom Interview
Jake Pope established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the FCS during the 2025 season, earning All-MVFC First Team honors while playing a key role in Illinois State’s most successful campaign in over a decade. As a cornerstone of a well-balanced offense, he helped power the Redbirds to a national championship game appearance, showcasing consistency and reliability against top competition. A three-year starter with experience at both right and left tackle, Pope brought veteran leadership, positional flexibility, and a steady presence to the offensive front throughout their playoff run.
At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds with 34½-inch arms and an 82¼-inch wingspan, Pope possesses prototypical size and length for the position, which he pairs with a physical, aggressive play style. A former standout high school wrestler, he translates that background into strong hand placement, leverage control, and balance at the point of attack, allowing him to win consistently in both the run and pass game. Known for his ruthless mentality and competitive toughness, Pope is a battle-tested lineman who combines technique, effort, and football IQ to maximize his ability, projecting as a dependable and versatile option at the next level.
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