Illinois football news: DB Xavier Scott Announces Return for senior season

Defensive Back Leader Xavier Scott Makes 2025 Return Official

News: The Illinois Football X account has officially broken the highly anticipated news that First-Team All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott will return for the 2025 season.

Scott spearheaded the Illini’s strong defensive backs unit in 2024, recording 44 tackles, 4 interceptions (including a crucial pick-six against Kansas), 1 forced fumble, 6 pass breakups, and a solo sack. He was certainly near the top of the Illini staff’s “hot list” for key retentions as the team moves into preparations for the 2025 season.

Undoubtedly, it was a massive announcement for Illinois Football, who have already received good news regarding offensive tackle, J.C. Davis, and quarterback Luke Altmyer.

Heeeee’sssss baacckkk pic.twitter.com/qWwAyHG57O

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) January 5, 2025

What’s Next?

Illinois football now awaits the decision of star defensive lineman, Gabe Jacas. Jacas had a standout junior season, totaling 39 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. However, he has the opportunity to showcase even more dominance for Bret Bielema and the Illini. Jacas has impressive measurables and athleticism hence he is slated in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If he can build on his impressive junior season, Jacas will have an impressive resume that will boost him up more NFL Draft boards. Regardless of Jacas’s decision, Illinois football has already received good news with the likes of Luke Altmyer, J.C. Davis, and Xavier Scott choosing to return.

 

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