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Illinois football has a golden opportunity ahead of it this season with UAB coming to town on Sept. 3 and a marquee game in Columbus, Ohio against the preseason No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes on Sept. 26. 

To become a competitive and championship-worthy football team, coach Bret Bielema's Fighting Illini will need all hands on deck this season, including from transfers like center Jake Renfro and returnees like defensive back Xavier Scott. 

On Thursday, the Illinois Fighting Illini's official team site announced that Renfro and Scott were named to a preseason watch list that has recognized their incredible work ethic and willpower to overcome adversity heading into the 2026 college football season. 

Renfro, Scott Named to Watch List

Jake Renfro transferred in from Wisconsin this season and is expected to become the Illini's starting center. 

His road hasn't been easy as he suffered left knee and right ankle injuries during the 2025 season that required season-ending surgery and left him unable to play in all but four games. 

Scott met a similar fate last season as he suffered a lower leg and ankle injury versus Western Michigan in 2025 that forced surgery, and caused him to miss the final 10 games of the season. 

Both were named to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list by the College Sports Communicators in association with the Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl. 

The award has been given since 2018 to recognize college football student athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other difficult circumstances. 

It is given out at the conclusion of each season in a vote of a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors. 

Three student athletes are selected and honored at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl each year. 

Renfro, Scott Among Key Players 

Both players have a tremendous amount of weight on their shoulders heading into the 2026 season as key players for the Fighting Illini.

The Illini offense has a strong contingent of skill players and need Renfro to become the quarterback and ace communicator of the offensive line going forward.

Scott has a strong defensive backfield mate in Matthew Bailey to work with this season and will also be tasked with mentoring the Illini's young defensive backs.

Both guys have walked through the fire of adversity and are ready to prove they can stay healthy, and be key cogs on a competitive, championship level team.

Expect big seasons from the duo as coach Bielema and his coaching staff work to navigate the rough waters of a rugged Big Ten Conference this season, with Renfro and Scott among those steering the ship. 

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