Bret Bielema has 27 years of collegiate coaching experience. He also spent three years in the NFL, including one with the Giants in 2020.
In that short period of time, the current head coach of Illinois learned a word that is valuable to coaching staffs and front offices at the professional level: flex.
J.C. Davis has it.
"I don't know exactly where the Giants are going to play him," Bielema said on the “Giants Huddle” podcast about his former left tackle and sixth-round draft choice by the Giants. "But I told several of the scouts – I've got a great relationship with the Giants and everybody in that building – I'm telling you, I literally think he can play all four, both left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and right guard.
"I know there were a lot of people who thought he should move to guard and play only guard, but if they do play him at guard, I think he can pop out at tackle and have a lot of flexibility for you. One of the things I really learned in the NFL too was just that word 'flex.' He's a guy that he might be able to plug and play at one position, but he probably has the flexibility to play all four."
Bielema took it one step further.
"To be honest, if I would have had him as a true freshman, I might have put him at center," Bielema said. "He learns the game extremely well. You never really had to worry about J.C. knowing what to do."
In the post-draft press conference, coach John Harbaugh said Davis would begin his NFL journey as a swing guard and tackle.
"He can play both," said Harbaugh, sitting alongside general manager Joe Schoen. "We just had this conversation. That went a long way in determining where he would play. Very talented, athletic, long-armed guy, can bend, can move his feet. He's big. He's got some growing to do as a player, some maturing to do as a player, but we had him in for a visit and talked to him about that at length. Very determined guy. He's determined to kind of develop into his talent level. He's a very talented offensive lineman."
Davis started all 49 of his college games at left tackle, including two seasons at New Mexico before transferring to Champaign, Ill.
He joins a long list of left tackles drafted from a Bielema-led program. It began at Wisconsin with Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas in 2007 and includes Gabe Carimi, another first-round pick, and Rick Wagner, a fifth-rounder who went on to start close to 100 games in the NFL.
Davis nearly joined them last year, but a new NCAA rule allowed former junior college players an extra year of eligibility. But first Bielema had to make a Christmas Eve flight to retain Davis, who started at Contra Costa College after high school.
"So that left tackle spot, as we all know, is very coveted," Bielema said. "And we went after J.C., who was really the first kid and only kid we went after that year in the portal coming out of New Mexico. Had some connection to his coaches there and we thought we had a one-year opportunity with him, brought him in, and he was absolutely outstanding. He had a really big change physically in that first year with us, and then, at the end of that year, the NCAA passed a rule that allowed us to have another year with JUCO players, and that gave him one more year. I believe we actually literally flew out on Christmas Eve night, a couple of my coaches and I, and presented him with an opportunity."
Bielema will keep an eye on the Giants this season with both excitement and relief.
He is excited to see how Davis develops and relieved that he no longer has to see Arvell Reese, the All-American linebacker from Ohio State taken fifth overall by the Giants.
"I'm glad we're going to watch him play at your place and not my place," Bielema said of Reese, who had nine tackles and 1.5 sacks in a victory over the Illini last October. "We go to Ohio State game four this year, so I'm glad he's no longer there. But really I think the part that jumped out to me – and I know that there's transition there in New York on both offense and defense – but this guy is a very dynamic player, very explosive. Judging by what I saw and what I've learned about him, he has a really, really high football IQ and acumen. The thing that jumped out to me when I made that jump to the NFL when I was with the Patriots, a guy like Dont'a Hightower, some of those linebacker guys that have the ability to play multiple positions but they also have the ability to know multiple positions. It's one [thing to have a guy that can do a lot, but if he can't know what to do, that's a problem. I think this guy's going to have zero issues in that department from what I've seen."
View photos of the collegiate careers of every member of the New York Giants' 2026 Draft Class.
Round 1, Pick 5 - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 10 - Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Round 2, Pick 37 - Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Round 3, Pick 74 - Malachi FIelds, WR, Notre Dame
Round 6, Pick No. 186 - Bobby Jamison-Travis, DL, Auburn
Round 6, Pick No. 192 - J.C. Davis, OL, Illinois
Round 6, Pick No. 193 - Jack Kelly, LB, BYU
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State's Arvell Reese sacks Wisconsin's Hunter Simmons during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Minnesota during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) is tackled by Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry (92) and Arvell Reese (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese (8) looks on during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, top, sacks Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Louisville defensive lineman Clev Lubin (50) during an NCAA football game on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks against North Carolina linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) protects the pocket during an NCAA football game on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) protects the pocket during an NCAA football game on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) prepares to block Louisville defensive lineman Justin Beadles (19) during an NCAA football game on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) prepares for the snap of the ball at the line of scrimmage during an NCAA football game against Louisville on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa lines up for a play during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game against Mississippi, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 29, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kyndall Williams/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 15, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
GAINESVILLE, FL - November 22, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - November 15, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Elliot Walker/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
TUSCALOOSA, AL - October 18, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - October 11, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
ATLANTA, GA - August 30, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - October 11, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
ATLANTA, GA - August 30, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - September 13, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers before the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
STARKVILLE, MS - September 27, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - September 13, 2025 - Defensive back Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch for a touchdown with Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (28) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) hauls in a pass from quarterback CJ Carr with Pittsburgh defensive back Rashad Battle (15) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch for a touchdown over Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (28) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) hauls in a pass from quarterback CJ Carr as Pittsburgh defensive back Rashad Battle (15) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates after scoring on a pass from quarterback CJ Carr during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a tough catch during an NCAA football game on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 in Miami. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields celebrates while doing a back flip in the end zone after scoring a touchdown on a 66-yard pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Boise State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
American Team wide receiver Malachi Fields (0), of Notre Dame, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Boise State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) stumbles over Boston College defensive back Carter Davis (7) while running for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch for a touchdown with Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (28) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields celebrates by doing a back flip in the end zone after scoring a touchdown on a 66-yard pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) catches a 66 yard touchdown pass against Purdue's Tony Grimes (0) during the first quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
American Team wide receiver Malachi Fields (0), of Notre Dame, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) celebrates with coaches and players after catching a 66 yard touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) dives forward for extra yards against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields, center, runs as Miami defensive back Keionte Scott (0) and defensive back Xavier Lucas (6) defend during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields catches a 66 yard touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive lineman Bobby Jamison-Travis (17) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Illinois offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) blocks against South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart (6) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - October 4, 2025 - Offensive Lineman J.C. Davis (#74) during the game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. Photo by Pat Pierson/Fighting Illini
Illinois offensive lineman Josh Gesky (73) and offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) set up to block against South Carolina during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - October 4, 2025 - Offensive Lineman J.C. Davis (#74) during the game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Photo by Aaron Quinn/Fighting Illini
Illinois offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) blocks against South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart (6) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
CHICAGO, IL - November 30, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Wrigley Field in Chicago,IL. (Photo By Quinten Truitt/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Aaron Quinn/Illinois Athletics)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - November 23, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini at SHI Stadium in Piscataway,NJ. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
Illinois running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman J.C. Davis (74) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Craig Pessman)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Aaron Quinn/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - November 16, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
CHICAGO, IL - November 30, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Wrigley Field in Chicago,IL. (Photo By Quinten Truitt/Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - October 12, 2024 - Photos taken during the game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign,IL. (Photo By Patrick Pierson/Illinois Athletics)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) looks on during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Brigham Young linebacker Jack Kelly, left, tackles Colorado wide receiver Dre'lon Miller in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) tackles West Virginia running back Diore Hubbard (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) gestures to the crowd during the second half of an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly tackles Stanford running back Micah Ford at the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Jeffrey D. Allred)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) roams the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game, against Utah Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) gestures during the second half of an NCAA college football game, against Utah Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
From left, BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17), defensive lineman Tausili Akana (13), safety Faletau Satuala (11) and linebacker Siale Esera (54) celebrate as they run off the field after a turn over on downs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) looks on during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Stanford wide receiver Marcus Brown, left, is tackled in the end zone for a safety by Brigham Young safety Faletau Satuala, bottom, and linebacker Jack Kelly, right, during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) fumbles the football as he is sacked by Brigham Young linebacker Jack Kelly (17) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) calls out signal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)
BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) looks on during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) fumbles the football as he is hit by Brigham Young linebacker Jack Kelly (17) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
