“(No one) has meant more to our program than Xavier Scott,” said director of athletics Josh Whitman.
It was with resounding praise that Whitman introduced senior defensive back Xavier Scott to the media Wednesday. Scott, who was a huge part of the Illini’s success in 2024, announced his intention to return for one final year at Illinois on Jan. 15.
When the senior was injured during the third game of the 2025 season, there was uncertainty whether he would play for Illinois again. He ended up sitting the rest of the year out, which allowed him to come back. It wasn’t a difficult choice.
“Just the loyalty, just the love I got for the University of Illinois, I wanted to stay home,” Scott said.
The Florida native dealt with an ankle injury for which he underwent surgery. Scott didn’t commit to playing in the spring, but he did say he’s working toward it and taking things carefully. However, his off-the-field presence is just as valuable as his on-the-field presence.
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Scott was a part of head coach Bret Bielema’s first full recruiting class at Illinois. He’s been with the program for three bowl games, which isn’t something many Illinois players can say. He was one of the more vocal leaders on defense, and it was a notable change when he left the lineup.
The senior is already settling back into a leadership role. Scott noted the difference in the roster as a big change from last season, when Illinois returned the most starters out of any Big Ten team.
“It’s a lot of new faces in the building, so right now we’re just trying to get everybody on the same page,” Scott said.
It won’t be an easy process getting so many new players acquainted with a new system. Having veteran leaders like Scott and junior defensive back Matthew Bailey around will no doubt help the new additions.
As for working on himself, Scott is excited to get back to work and improve his game.
“(This) is my first offseason where I can really develop my game,” Scott said.
The defensive back has shown he can be a game-changer. He had four interceptions, one being a pick six, and 10 pass breakups in 2024. A full offseason of work, along with getting healthy, should prove beneficial for Scott and the defense.
While there might be a lot of new faces, Illinois fans can be sure of one thing: Scott is going to be the same player he’s always been for the Illini.
“I’m going to put on a show for everybody there,” Scott said.
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