Xavier Scott

2025 SENIOR Played and started in first three games Injured in Week 3 home game vs. Western Michigan (9/13/25) Missed final nine games of the regular season following surgery on Sept. 24 Athlon Preseason All-America Fourth Team Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten First Team Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten First Team Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List No. 139 overall player in college football according to CBS.com's spring rankings 2024 JUNIOR Phil Steele All-America Honorable Mention All-Big Ten First Team (Media) All-Big Ten Second Team (Coaches) AP All-Big Ten First Team Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist as one of the top 15 defensive backs in college football Started all 13 games at defensive back 49 tackles (43 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and six pass breakups Tied for second in the Big Ten and 15th in the nation in interceptions (4) during the regular season Led Big Ten cornerbacks in snaps played (792) No. 3-ranked cornerback in the Big Ten by PFF (82.3) No. 4-ranked tackling grade among cornerbacks in the Big Ten by PFF (85.1) Sixth-career interception (fourth of the season) against Northwestern (11/30/24) Third interception of the season (fifth career) against Central Michigan (9/14/24) First-career pick six, first-career two-interception game, and one forced fumble vs. #19 Kansas (9/7/24), becoming the first player in the nation to force three turnovers in a game during the 2024 seson 2023 SOPHOMORE All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (coaches and media) Played in all 12 games with 11 starts at defensive back Led the Big Ten in pass breakups (11) during the regular season Tied for first in the Big Ten in passes defended (14) during the regular season Second in the Big Ten in passes defended during conference games (10) Career-high nine tackles vs. Indiana (11/11/23) First career interception at Kansas (9/8/23) Led the Illinois secondary with two pass breakups in season-opening win over Toledo (9/2/23) 2022 FRESHMAN Played in 11 games as a true freshman with one start at cornerback First career start in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Mississippi State 1/2/23 15 tackles, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble on the season Career-high six tackles at Michigan 11/19/22 and against Mississippi State 1/2/23 HIGH SCHOOL Played for head coach McKinley Rolle at Dwyer Also played basketball in high school 2020 6A-7A All-County first team in basketball PERSONAL Born December 19, 2002 Son of Xavier Scott and Latoya Bush Two brothers, Xanai Scott and Derian Williams Chose Illinois because, “I saw the brotherhood here. The players and coaches were very welcoming and I saw that they had great intentions for me.” Majoring in recreation, sport, and tourism RELATED CONTENT There is no related content available. Related Headlines Related Press Clips Related Videos Related Photos STATISTICS