Miles Scott: The Journey to an Illini Football Captain

Miles Scott had a senior night to remember. The senior defensive back led the team with two interceptions and two pass deflections en route to a 20-13 win over the Northwestern Wildcats. In a game completely altered by an unrelenting snowstorm, Miles Scott was the stabilizing factor for a defense that stepped up to the plate and carried the team to a tough-nosed victory. Scott, a senior captain, provided the game-changing plays but also served as a vocal leader amongst a defensive unit that was looking to prove itself. Per head coach Bret Bielema, Miles Scott provided a powerful prayer to his teammates during Thursday’s Thanksgiving dinner that certainly helped galvanize the Fighting Illini.

The senior night was certainly a different look for Illini fans amidst a blanket of snow across the entire Gies Memorial Stadium. However, it cannot go unnoticed how powerful Miles Scott’s story and journey to this moment are.

From Walk-on Wide receiver to Senior Captain.

Miles Scott played the first three years of his high school football career as a starting wide receiver at St. Laurence High School in Burbank, Illinois. Once the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sports in the state of Illinois, Scott made the move to the East Coast to play one year at St. Thomas More Prep school in Connecticut. He ultimately landed a preferred walk-on spot with Lovie Smith’s program to help him return to his home state. Scott played in a room with Illini star Isaiah Williams and current Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington. In 2022, Scott actually found his way on the field and recorded 4 total catches.

However, Scott struggled with this limited role and even considered quitting football per a story released on FightingIllini.com. On a whim, Coach Bret Bielema offered an opportunity to play some safety. The rest is history

A colored career as a defensive back

Scott will finish his Illini career as a two-time captain of the team. In three years, he totalled 128 tackles, 7 interceptions, 2 pick-sixes, and 11 pass deflections. His leadership on and off the field will surely be missed as he moves on to the next chapter of his football career. Congratulations to Miles and his family on an amazing career in the Orange and Blue!

His career is proof: the path doesn’t matter. The impact does. pic.twitter.com/eabkDwdAIM

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) November 26, 2025

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