Illinois Star DB Xavier Scott Expected to Miss Most of Season After Injury

Illinois football star cornerback Xavier Scott will miss most of the 2025 season following surgery for a lower-leg injury sustained during a game against Western Michigan. Coach Bret Bielema confirmed the surgery and noted there is a slim chance Scott could return late in the season, but the expectation is that Illinois will play without their top defensive back for the majority of the year. Scott, a first-team All-Big Ten selection and Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist last season, has been a key leader and dependable presence in the Illini secondary, making his absence a significant blow to the team's defense. His injury comes at a challenging time as Illinois prepares for tough upcoming games against teams like Indiana, USC, Penn State, and Ohio State, following a heavy 63-10 loss to Indiana. The Illini have dropped in the AP Poll to No. 23 and will need to adjust their defensive strategy, relying more on younger players and increased pressure from the front seven. Scott's previous achievements include leading the Big Ten in pass breakups and ranking highly nationally in interceptions, underscoring the impact of his loss on Illinois' season outlook.