Illinois Football news: DB Lavon Williams to transfer to Illinois

NEWS: Illinois Football has landed the commitment of East Texas A&M defensive back Lavon Williams. The news was first reported by 247sports’ Matt Zenitz. Williams is a 5-foot-11, 195 player who was very productive last season. This past season at East Texas A&M, Williams recorded 74 tackles, 7 pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception. He will have one year of eligibility remaining while at Illinois. 

This is a strong first addition to the Illini in the 2026 offseason. Senior safety Miles Scott is out of eligibility, and starters Xavier Scott and Matthew Bailey have the opportunity to go to the NFL. Per Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer, Williams is likely to play the Nickel spot that Miles Scott played. However, he has the versatility to play the positions that Mac Resetich and Tanner Heckel played this previous season. Williams has a good range out in the perimeter; however, he has shown that he can be a physical tackler like Matthew Bailey has been.

Illinois football will have to replace a lot of its secondary this offseason, regardless of what Xavier Scott and Matthew Bailey do. I expect Illinois to add more transfer portal help to its secondary.

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