Bailey named to Bednarik Award watch list

Bailey named to Bednarik Award watch list

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Bailey named to Bednarik Award watch list
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 15: Matthew Bailey #7 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts as he enters the field prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Gies Memorial Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Harry Figiel/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images

Star Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Friday.

Bailey is one of 91 players under consideration for the award, which goes to the best defensive player in college football. He is also one of 19 Big Ten players on this year’s watch list.

A team captain and two-time All-Big Ten selection, Bailey enters his senior season after leading Illinois in total tackles in each of the past two years. He recorded 76 tackles in 2025 after posting a career-high 94 tackles in 2024. Last season, he also set career bests with 59 solo tackles and four tackles for loss.

Bailey earned AP All-Bowl Team honors following Illinois’ Citrus Bowl victory over No. 14 South Carolina, tying an Illinois bowl record with 14 tackles. He also ranks among the conference’s top tacklers, finishing 14th in the Big Ten with 6.8 tackles per game in 2024.

The Bednarik Award has been presented annually since 1994. Named for College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Chuck “Concrete Charlie” Bednarik, the award recognizes the nation’s top defensive player.

Bailey has also been named to the 2026 watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and was selected to the Panini Senior Bowl Top 300.

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