The Illinois Fighting Illini defense is expected to be led by veteran defensive back Xavier Scott this season along with another veteran, fifth-year senior Matthew Bailey.

Bailey is widely known as one of the toughest and most mature players in the Big Ten and is eager to prove it between the hash marks again this season.

On Tuesday at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, Bailey was given an opportunity to share his pick for the most competitive player he's ever played with, and judging by the NFL career of the person he chose so far, it's hard to argue with his decision. 

Bailey picked Seattle Seahawks star cornerback and Super Bowl champion Devon Witherspoon, a former Fighting Illini star defender, as his choice for most competitive player. 

Witherspoon is currently involved in contract talks with his NFL team as the Seahawks prepare to break camp following their 2026 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. 

Bailey looked back fondly on Witherspoon's time with the Fighting Illini during which he said the current Seahawks star would get angry whenever he lost a single rep in practice. 

"Who's the most competitive guy you ever played with?" Bailey was asked. 

"Played with? Probably 'Spoon," he said. "I'm not gonna lie take it all the way back.

"He never wanted to lose a rep and he would get pissed if he did," Bailey continued. 

"That's the one thing I remember about him my freshman year, the way he held himself from a competitive aspect."

Bailey was also asked whether he likes to win more or hates to lose more by the interviewer and had a candid response. 

"I hate losing, yo," he quickly snapped back. 

"Yo, I hate losing, like I can't again," he continued. 

"I get hot, I get red hot, so, winning is awesome, winning feels good, but, I despise losing," the expected future Illini captain said. 

Bailey's impact has been felt on both the stat sheet and the field during his time in Champaign, Illinois so far. 

He is a respected leader, workout warrior, and hard nosed player who rarely if ever seems to back down from a challenge. 

Bailey made a splash as a freshman in Champaign, playing in 13 games and recording ten tackles along with three interceptions. 

He bounced back from a lost 2023 season to record a whopping 94 combined tackles in 2024 along with one interception.

Last season, he recorded 76 tackles without an interception.

Bailey has an NFL ceiling and will reach for it this year.

Expect another standout season from a player who knows how to lead by example and verbally, much like Witherspoon and the rest of the Illini's stellar corps of defensive backs from recent seasons.