Illinois began fall camp this week, and the Illini have been very open about their progress so far with coach and player interviews. There isn't a ton to speak on, as only a few practices have taken place, but with the number of changes Illinois will see on the field this season, any update is a good one.
The defense is now under the command of new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck. One of his first orders of business was changing the defensive scheme for the Illini, going to a 3-3-5 look and putting an emphasis on the secondary. With players like Xavier Scott and Matthew Bailey, who easily could have been NFL-bound after last season, this feels like the perfect time for this transition.
A big change like this can often be complex and cause some growing pains, but Scott was able to simplify the mindset of him and his defensive teammates.
"Yeah, it's just a different defense, same goal," Scott said. "Play fast, see ball, get ball."
“It’s a different defense. Same goal. Play fast. See ball. Get ball.”
— Scott Richey (@srrichey) August 6, 2026
Hear from @IlliniFootball defensive back Xavier Scott (@XScott17) ahead of Thursday’s training camp practice. #Illini pic.twitter.com/qeLRalwExp
It almost feels like it shouldn't be that simple, but sometimes that is just the mindset to have. Thinking about things in a complex way can only make the change more difficult, so as long as this mindset is working for Scott and his teammates, go as simple as you need to.
Bobby Hauck's defensive change is bound to have some growing pains
Anytime a new coach comes in, whether a head coach or a coordinator, they are going to want to do things their way, and Hauck wants Illinois to play this defense. It is a big change going to three linemen up front, three linebackers, and five defensive backs, but with the talent the Illini have in the secondary, it makes sense.
On the first day, though, it isn't going to run smoothly. Hauck brought out this defense back in the spring, and now the players are having to knock off the rust from the summer. This may also be the shot in the arm Illinois' defense needs after a few seasons of lackluster play. Illinois will be the only team in the Big Ten with this defensive scheme, which could give them more of a leg up on opposing offenses.
There are bound to be growing pains in the new defense, especially now, adding the experience of Scott and Bailey, who missed spring with injuries when the defense was in its early install. Both players are the anchors in this DB-heavy defense, so their new presence is something that will need to be adjusted to.
Bret Bielema handed over the defensive reins to Hauck for a reason because he knows what he is doing as a long-time, accomplished coach. So, if the players need to simplify the defense as much as possible in order to get it into their system, so be it.
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