The 2025 college football season has just now gotten into full swing, but there are a number of players already projecting as NFL draft prospects to watch for the near future.
And among the darkhorses is Fighting Illini guard Josh Gesky.
The 6-foot-5, 335-pound Illinois native brings a lot to the table that should be considered impressive to scouts, including strong fundamentals, experience and consistency in opening up both the pass and run game in a way that has helped Illinois to become a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
Gesky says he specifically looks to embody a high level of grit within his game, something that shines through him tangibly and intangibly.
“I like to model my game after players that I watch as being really tough, being gritty, guys that are more like me,” he said in an exclusive interview with RG.org.
All-Pro Zack Martin is one of those players, and Gesky specifically references his work ethic as something he admires and feels he replicates in his own right.
“I like to think that my work ethic is what’s kept me here and what’s allowed me to be here, along with obviously, God giving me great genetics,” he continued. “But I’d like to think that’s what’s going to give me the edge against other people.
Gesky still projects as more of a sleeper who could grow into something so much more after the Illini’s 10-win season if the team can stay hot and he can maintain continuity. He’s earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention recognition for the past two seasons, also impressing in the classroom with CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Big Ten honors as a junior.
How Gesky continues to raise his draft stock will be something to keep an eye on as Illinois continues the season against Duke. Kickoff is set for noon on Sept. 6.