[6] In his junior year at Prospect, Palczewski received his first scholarship offer made by the Virginia Military Institute.

[7] Sports writers suggested Palczewski's recruitment potential might have been negatively effected by his absence from his junior season due to a neck injury including a fractured vertebrae.

After missing the opening game, Palczewski joined Vederian Lowe and Larry Boyd in making college history as Illinois' first-ever true freshmen starters on the offensive line.

For his performances, Palczewski collected numerous All-American and Big Ten honors including being named to first, second and third teams.

[12][13] It was reported on October 8, 2024, Palczewski suffered a high-ankle sprain during the successful game against Las Vegas Raiders.

[5] Throughout his college and NFL careers, he has gone by the nickname "Palcho" due to his Polish surname being difficult for his teammates and coaches to pronounce.

[1][13] During his Illinois senior season in 2021 Palczewski co-presided over Lift for Life, a local charity group whose cause is to raise money and awareness for people battling rare diseases.