CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott announced he will return to the Fighting Illini for the 2026 season, giving the program a major boost on the defensive side of the ball.

Scott, one of the top defensive backs in college football, was named a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award in 2024, placing him among the nation’s top 15 players at his position. His momentum was slowed in 2025 when his season was cut short by an injury suffered in Week 3 against Western Michigan.

Scott underwent surgery on Sept. 24 and missed the final 10 games of the season, including all of Big Ten play. Despite the setback, Scott said he is focused on returning healthy and helping lead Illinois in 2026.

Over his Illinois career, Scott has appeared in 39 games with 28 starts, compiling 127 tackles, 26 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and six interceptions.