Xavier Scott struggling in 2026 season after ankle surgery
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 1:45 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott has not performed at expected levels this season, recording only six tackles and one pass defended through two games. Scott, once a top NFL Draft prospect, has struggled since undergoing ankle surgery for an injury sustained in September 2025. The Illinois defense as a whole has faced challenges adapting to a new defensive coordinator and a switch to a 3-3-5 scheme, resulting in a weak run defense. Scott’s lack of impactful plays raises questions about his draft stock as the season progresses, though there are ten games left for him to improve.
- •Scott suffered an ankle injury in September 2025 requiring surgery.
- •He was an All-Big Ten selection in 2024.
- •Through two games in 2026, he has only six tackles and one pass defended.
- •Illinois is adjusting to a new defensive coordinator and scheme.
- •The Illini defense has struggled, allowing significant yardage in early games.
- 1:45 PMYahoo Sports — NFL Draft stock report: sell- Xavier Scott, DB, Illinois
"Xavier Scott hasn't been the same player since injuring his ankle, a problem that required surgery and he has only looked a shadow of his 2024 self
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