X marks the spot for the Illinois football program, as fifth-year senior Xavier Scott is ready for his return to the field in Champaign.
Scott, who suffered a right foot/ankle injury in week three against Western Michigan last season, will return to an Illinois secondary that includes safety Matthew Bailey and defensive back Juice Clarke.
The former first-team All-Big Ten selection will add even more of a veteran presence to a defense that lost a ton of key pieces over the offseason. He will look to get back to his 2024 form, which is why he made the watch list for the Comeback Player of the Year award.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿.
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 20, 2026
Xavier Scott & Jake Renfro | Comeback Player of the Year Watch List pic.twitter.com/Afd8JoA3aE
Scott, a product of Riviera Beach, Florida, is a ball-hawk of a defender who has given the Illini plenty of memorable moments throughout his career. In 39 games, Scott has recorded 127 total tackles, 26 pass deflections, and six interceptions.
The Dwyer High School grad isn't a stranger to postseason recognition, being named to the All-Big Ten first team by the media, the All-Big Ten second team by the coaches, as well as a Phil Steele All-America honorable mention.
Xavier Scott will make a major impact in his final season for the Illinois football program
Illinois witnessed a massive exodus on the defensive side of the ball, with a reported 17 players leaving the program via the transfer portal. It was a major overhaul on one side of the ball, which left the Illini in need of a rebuild.
The return of Scott will certainly alleviate some of the pressure for this new unit to perform, as he will bring a veteran presence who can line up in the slot, outside, or over the top as a safety. He is also an excellent tackler, having been given the fourth-best tackling grade in the Big Ten by PFF in 2024.
With Scott's uncanny ability to be aware of his surroundings and anticipate what's going to happen next, he will most likely be a Swiss Army Knife of sorts in Bobby Hauck's defensive scheme. He won't play the 'Chief' role, as that will be controlled by Bailey, but he will still be a pivotal piece of Illinois' secondary.
Add us as a preferred source on Google