Retention and the Illinois football program have become synonymous over the past few seasons.
While basketball has taken the spotlight in this regard, so too has Illini football built its success on the backs of strong returners.
This fall will be no different, as key returners will play a major role in how far Illinois will go this season.
Given the mass influx of transfer portal players and young recruits, one player on each side of the ball will have to help lead this group for Bret Bielema and the Orange and Blue.
Offensive Impact: Hudson Clement
After a slow start to his 2025 season, Hudson Clement really started to find his stride later in the year. Strong games against Rutgers and Maryland, in which he combined for three touchdowns and 156 yards, proved he was still the player the Illini acquired in the offseason.
This hot finish will have to translate into a hot start to 2026. A new quarterback in Katin Houser will need a reliable target who knows the system well to work through any growing pains during his first starts for Illinois.
Likewise, the Illini’s strong recruiting class is likely to receive a lot of playing time. Offensively, Clement will have to help lead and mold them so they can integrate into the system as quickly as possible.
Defensive Impact: Xavier Scott
Xavier Scott only appeared in the first three games last year due to an ankle injury, but has been an integral part of the Illinois defense since 2023.
After announcing his return to Illinois this offseason, he should be able to make quite the impact in his final year.
As a field general with a lot of valuable experience, Scott will be relied upon to coach up and communicate with this stellar defensive backfield class that Illinois has coming to them.
Moreover, defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck’s new system should play to his strengths well. In a scheme that centers around speed and versatility, Scott should flourish and be able to produce as he did when he was healthy.
Roster transition can always be scary, but with players like Clement and Scott, the Illini should be in good hands to handle any turbulence they may face.
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