Senior defensive back Xavier Scott will return to the Illini this coming season, he announced Thursday evening.
Scott missed most of the 2025 season after suffering an injury in the team’s win over Western Michigan. In three games, he racked up six tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and two pass breakups.
In 2024, Scott led the team in interceptions (4) and recorded 49 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
The senior’s announcement comes a week after junior defensive back Matthew Bailey announced his return for 2026.
The duo provides stability to a secondary that was ravaged by injuries at times this past season, and will be without Miles Scott, Kaleb Patterson and Saboor Karriem, among others, next season.
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In addition to Scott and Bailey, defensive backs junior Jaheim Clarke, sophomore Tanner Heckel and junior Mac Resetich will be back in the rotation for 2026. Illinois also added senior safety Lavon Williams from the transfer portal earlier this year.
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