Name: Xavier Scott
Position: Defensive Back / Cornerback
Team: Illinois Fighting Illini
Class: Senior (2025)
Height/Weight: 5-11, 190 lbs
Hometown / High School: Riviera Beach, Florida — attended William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens.
Recruiting: A three-star recruit who committed to Illinois in January 2022.

College Career & Highlights:
Scott has been a rising star in the Illini secondary, making the transition from a lightly-recruited prospect to one of the leading defensive backs in the Big Ten.

In the 2024 season he started all 13 games, recorded 49 tackles (43 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, four interceptions and six passes broken up.

Recognized for his performance: Media First-Team All-Big Ten, Coaches’ Second-Team All-Big Ten, AP First-Team All-Big Ten. Also named a semifinalist for the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (top defensive back award) in 2024.

Over his first three seasons at Illinois, Scott played in 36 games with 25 starts, finishing with six interceptions, three forced fumbles, 121 tackles and 24 passes defended.

Playing Style & Strengths:
Scott is known for his intelligence, quickness in short areas, and positional versatility. He can line up in the slot or outside and make impact plays.

He brings a combination of ball skills (interceptions, pass breakups) and tackling ability, making him a two-way performer in coverage and in run support. His growth curve suggests he’s firmly established as a leader in the Illinois secondary.

Hailing from Florida, Scott entered Illinois as a comparatively under-the-radar recruit but worked his way into a prominent role. Scouts note his “scheme-diverse” qualities and believe he has the tools to contribute early in sub-packages or special teams while continuing his development.

His 2024 breakout season validated that promise, earning conference honors and national recognition.

In January 2025, Scott announced his decision to return to Illinois for the 2025 season — a move signaling his commitment to both his personal development and the team’s success.