Every week, the Chicago Bears are watching college football games in order to scout for the future. They haven’t been great at drafting in the Ryan Poles era, but every year is a new opportunity to improve. 

This week, one of the most intriguing games on the entire slate has some local flair in a battle of Top-20 teams. No. 9 Illinois will battle No. 19 Indiana in a matchup featuring neighboring Big Ten rivals with so much on the line.

There are several NFL-caliber players all over the field. These are the four that the Bears should have an eye on:

Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

The Bears need help with their pass rush as much as any team in the NFL, and Gabe Jacas is worth considering. There’s a lot of season left to go, but he will have plenty of chances to play against some great Big Ten teams in hopes of building up a resume and being in the NFL. Jacas will go against a very good quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, who very well could be a first-round pick himself. If Jacas can make life difficult on him, Illinois will have a chance to win, and it will make him much more appealing going forward.

Xavier Scott, S, Illinois

Xavier Scott is also a player on Illinois’ defense worth scouting. He could go from one blue and orange team to another if the Bears found him to be a solid player to draft. They might need help in the secondary after this 2025 season comes to an end, so Scott could be a solution.

Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

There is a chance that DJ Moore is not in Chicago after this season is over. With Rome Odunze taking a big step, they may lack depth at the position if Moore is out. Elijah Sarrat, WR, of Indiana, is an option for the Bears to consider. He is probably someone who goes in the middle of the draft, which can have gems from time to time. If Ben Johnson likes what he sees from him, perhaps vs a good Illinois team, he may think twice about passing on him.

Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana

Like Xavier Scott of Illinois, Amare Ferrell is someone to consider as a safety in the draft, especially given both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are set to hit free agency next March. Ferrell is a mid-round level pick as well, based on where things stand today, but the Bears may need all the help they can get.