An Illinois football defender was chosen for one writer's team ahead of Big Ten Media Days.
The 2026 Big Ten Media Days are scheduled for today through July 30 and coach Bret Bielema has chosen three players to represent his team.
On Saturday, Scott Dochterman of The Athletic picked his 2026 All-Big Ten Team and included one Illinois Fighting Illini player in the group, a defensive back headed into his fifth season with the team.
His selection was made in good faith following a challenging 2025 season that saw the Illini veteran miss most of the season due to right ankle and foot injuries that ended it before it ever really got started.
Xavier Scott Selected to 2026 Team
Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott was selected by Dochterman to his team despite his injury shortened 2025 campaign.
Scott made the second team.
Scott came to Illinois as a three-star prospect out of Palm Gardens, Florida in 2022 and has surpassed expectations thus far with coach Bielema.
At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Scott has enough speed and size to make life miserable on opposing wide receivers, tight ends and running backs with a build reminiscent of Illini stars of years gone by including Kerby Joseph of the Detroit Lions.
Scott played in just three games last year, recording three tackles before suffering a severe right foot and ankle injury that ended his season on Sept. 20 against Western Michigan.
2026 is a clean, fresh slate for Scott on a Fighting Illini team in search of its third straight winning season.
Nov 30, 2024; Chicago,Illinois, USA;IllinoisFighting Illini defensive backXavierScott(14) is stopped by Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Drew Wagner (48) after he makes a n interception against Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Scott Seeks Return to 2024 Form
Scott is seeking a return to his 2024 form, when he won All-Big Ten First Team honors with the Fighting Illini in his third year on campus.
He evolved from a role player as a freshman in 2022 to a sure tackler in 2023 to a ballhawking center fielder in 2024 before securing his impressive All-Big Ten honor.
Scott's 2024 season is exactly what the Illini need more of in 2026.
That season, he recorded four interceptions with 55 interception return yards, two tackles for loss, one sack, and six pass break-ups.
He impacted the game in countless ways leading to a banner year for coach Bielema and the Fighting Illini.
This season, the Fighting Illini's offense will have to make due without the steady hand of QB Luke Altmyer.
Transfer and expected starter Katin Houser is capable, but the defense must lead the way, and Scott will have a major say in how things turn out on the defensive side of the ball with a challenging schedule on tap this September.
