NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Illinois football ranked near the middle-of-the-pack nationally in scoring defense, yards per play, and total defense last season, a solid but ultimately disappointing performance.

Last year's defensive coordinator Aaron Henry was given the benefit of the doubt by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who brought him aboard head coach Marcus Freeman's staff as defensive coordinator.

Fighting Illini coach Bret Bielema brought in ex-Montana Grizzlies head coach Bobby Hauck as the team's new defensive coordinator on a two-year deal after Hauck resigned from the Grizzlies, and now it's go time for a talented orange and blue defense. 

On Saturday, Hauck's secondary coach Ronnie Bradford made an NFL prediction on two of Illinois' standout defenders, a testament to the strength of Hauck's defense heading toward the team's opening game vs. the UAB Blazers. 

Bailey, Scott Among NFL Hopefuls

Coach Bielema's program has done a solid job of retaining its best players over the last few years and defensive backs Matthew Bailey and Xavier Scott are among them.

The loyal, strong willed Illini duo has a combined eight years of experience heading into 2026 giving Bradford two veteran leaders on the back end of Illinois' defense. 

"Guys, those guys are basically pro guys and me coming from the NFL last year and seeing just NFL talent, those guys have what it takes," Bradford said in an interview posted by Scott Richey of the News-Gazette of Champaign, Ill. 

There's no telling how good the Bailey and Scott-led defense can be judging by Bradford's comments. 

"That's all I tell those guys is continue to work, do it day-by-day, and you never know what comes," he added. 

The Illini duo continues to stake its claim as a pair of future NFL players — a powerful example for their teammates. 

"What they've put on tape in the past, they've continued to do that day after day," Bradford said. 

"The big thing coming out of fall camp from those two guys is their willingness to help the young guys." 

Scott the Illini X-Factor?

Scott has received buzz as a potential All-Big Ten player this season, one season removed from missing all but three games in 2025 due to a severe right foot/ankle injury that required surgery. 

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound native of Riviera Beach, Fla. could be Illinois' most important defensive player this season and its highest potential defender. 

Scott began to hit his stride as a junior, recording four interceptions in 2024 including an interception return for a touchdown. 

Bailey held down the fort for the Illini secondary last season with 76 combined tackles, but did not record an interception.

Illinois' two star defensive backs will play off each other more than ever this season as they look to bait opposing quarterbacks into costly mistakes.

Illinois will have to create plays in all three phases this season to fulfill its potential as a dark horse College Football Playoff contender, and the defense looks like a strong candidate with both Bailey and Scott ready to stake their claims as future NFL draft picks. 

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos