Defensive Backs
Starter (CB): Torrie Cox Jr.
It is always hard to determine if a player can make the jump from MAC to the power-four level, but Torrie Cox Jr. did it with flying colors in 2024.
Cox finished his first season at Illinois with 26 tackles, four pass deflections, and three interceptions. He was one of our best cornerbacks, and I think there is a chance he makes the jump from good player to NFL-caliber cornerback in 2025.
- 2nd String: Jaheim Clark
Illinois is getting some solid cornerback experience back, too. Jaheim Clark played 343 defensive snaps last season, and every single one of those helped prepare him for a big 2025 campaign. It is rare to say this, but I love the depth Illinois has built in the secondary.
Starter (CB): Kaleb Patterson
Kaleb Patterson is a superstar. He is one of the next in line to be an NFL Draft pick. Patterson was unleashed last season on the Big Ten, and he finished with 32 tackles, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
I think most people will pay attention to Xavier Scott this season, but that will enable Patterson to have a quietly great 2025 season. He has big playmaking ability, and that will be on display early and often.
- 2nd String: Tyler Strain
I have Tyler Strain as a second stringer entering this upcoming season. He is someone who has been with the program for a few years now, and he played 75 snaps in 2025. I think Strain has the ability to be a really good player as long as he stays on the field.
Starter (NB): Xavier Scott
The star of Illinois’ secondary is Xavier Scott. He could have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and been selected, but he came back to Illinois for one more season.
Scott had 49 tackles, six pass deflections, four interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pick-six last season. It feels like Illinois has one of these dogs every season, and Scott is the next big-time defensive back. Don’t be shocked if he goes in the top 20 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Starter (S): Matthew Bailey
Illinois is loaded with some nasty talent in 2025. One of the nastiest players is Matthew Bailey. He was finally healthy this past season, and he showed what he could do on the field.
Bailey finished 2025 with 93 tackles, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one interception. With another big season and Illinois playing well, I expect Bailey to be a draft pick as well.
- 2nd String: Mac Resetich
The most underrated players on the Illinois football roster might be Mac Resetich. He played 176 snaps last season and graded as one of the Illini’s best defensive backs. I think he is a perfect option for a second-string safety.
Starter (S): Miles Scott
Throughout his time at Illinois, Miles Scott has been quiet yet very consistent. He has put up impressive numbers, as the talented safety had 55 tackles, four pass deflections, two interceptions, and one forced fumble this past season.
I have Scott once again starting at safety. He is a part of the great group of returning starters in 2025, and I think Scott could have a big year. Once again, it wouldn’t shock me to see Illinois get another defensive back selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- 2nd String: Saboor Karriem
It will be fun to see Saboor Karriem take another step forward in his career. I think he could be slotted into the second-string role at safety. He played 35 snaps in 2024, and there is a chance he gets a lot more action this season.
- Depth: Tyson Rooks, Donovan Turner, Amar Reynolds, Tanner Heckel, Ben Clawson, Vernon Woodward, TJ Griffin, Murphy Clement, Grayson Griffin
I am not super high on the depth past the second string. There are a few nice pieces here, but clearly, Illinois will need the freshmen to take a step up next year.
- Redshirt: Andre Lovett Jr., Xanai Scott, RJ Jones III, Des Straughton, Tywan Cox
Let’s redshirt all five of these freshmen and unleash them in 2026. Barring a massive injury, Illinois is set at defensive back in 2025. Develop these young guys and get them ready for a push next season.