Football
Xavier Scott Explains Decision to Return to Illinois for One Last Season
Why Xavier Scott held off on the NFL for one more year, to compete with Illinois in 2026.
After announcing earlier this month that he would return to Illinois following a season-ending injury and double-ankle surgery, star defensive back Xavier Scott met with the media on Wednesday (1/21) to discuss his decision and what it means for his development heading into the offseason.
His return is a major boost for Aaron Henry’s defense, reinforcing a secondary that possesses NFL-caliber veteran leadership heading into the 2026 season. With Scott and Matthew Bailey both returning, the Fighting Illini add continuity and stability to their defense in an era of college football where roster turnover is extremely common.
That said, thanks to Scott’s return (and assuming everyone stays healthy), this Illinois secondary will be one of the best in the Big Ten entering 2026.
Speaking for the first time since his return, Xavier discussed his decision, the mental toll of grinding through injuries, and his overall goals for the road ahead. For Scott, it’s a matter of finally taking advantage of a full offseason (without injury), so he can maximize on his development for the NFL.
BIG NEWS FOR THE #ILLINI: DB Xavier Scott has announced his return to Illinois. Major news for the secondary and the Illini program as Scott’s season was cut short this year by injury
In 2024, Scott had 4 interceptions and 49 total tackles. pic.twitter.com/UaL6ZK51qR
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) January 16, 2026
“It was either the League or Illinois.”
For Scott, the opportunity to take advantage of a full offseason, with a coaching and development staff that he trusts dearly, was the tipping point in his decision to return.
“Dealing with that early injury during the season and having to get double ankle surgery can be tough on the mind… Just getting back to where you want to be and the level of football you want to play,” Scott explained. “I kind of thought last year was the year and felt like I fell short, so I wanted to come back and prove myself all over again.”
“This is really my first offseason where I can really develop my game,” (at Illinois) Scott said. “I’ve been in college for four years and haven’t had an offseason yet. So, being able to have this offseason just to develop my game, and come back to the University of Illinois, and just finish it off the right was definitely a big decision.”
Xavier noted that he didn’t want to risk going through pre-draft NFL workouts without being fully ready.
“Not knowing how I was going to be through pro day and draft day coming up pretty fast, I didn’t want to go out there and not perform the way I wanted to,” Scott said. “That definitely played a part, but I really wanted to come back and just have a full year of college football.”
He also described conversations with Coach Bielema during the decision-making process.
“He just let me know that home is here,” Scott said. “Everybody believes in me here, and he wants what’s best for my career. Other than that, he gave me space and let me decide what I really wanted to do.”
A Big offseason ahead for the Illini’s Star DB
Scott stressed that patience and faith have guided his decisions. “I definitely believe in God and trust Him,” Scott said. “I don’t look at this as a bad thing at all. It’s another year to develop, another year to get better, another year to improve myself. The NFL is the goal, but there’s no rush. When it’s time, it’ll happen.”
For Scott, one last season in Champaign with the Illini is his chance to prove his abilities to be a great defensive back and work his way back into the top NFL draft conversations.
“I’m so grateful and so happy,” he states. “I finally get an offseason, and I’m going to take full advantage of it. Getting back out there in front of the Illini fans and putting on a show is going to be great.”
