Xavier Scott ready for senior season with Illinois after injury recovery
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 5:46 PM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
College SportsXavier Scott returns to the Illinois football team for his senior season after recovering from a foot injury that sidelined him last year. He underwent surgery following an injury in Week 3 against Western Michigan and completed summer workouts. Scott, a fifth-year defensive back, is expected to play a key role in the team's secondary under new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, who has noted the improved health of both Scott and safety Matthew Bailey. Scott is focused on consistency this season as he aims for a professional football career.
- •Scott missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury.
- •He participated in summer workouts and training camp.
- •Illinois features a strong secondary led by Scott and Bailey.
- •New coordinator Bobby Hauck is implementing a familiar defensive system.
- •Scott emphasizes the importance of consistency for NFL aspirations.
- 5:46 PMYahoo Sports — Healthy Xavier Scott ready for final season
"Aug. 7—CHAMPAIGN — Xavier Scott didn't love his vantage point of Illinois football home games last season. An awkward landing late in Illinois' Week 3 win against Western Michigan turned into a need for season-ending surgery on his right foot. Scott was still present at Gies Memorial Stadium the rest of the season, but needed a knee walker to get around on game day. Scott would typically spend ...
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