CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Matthew Bailey, one of Illinois football's leading defensive backs, will return to the program for his senior season in 2026.
The program and Bailey made the announcement on their social media pages after speculation the DB could pursue the NFL Draft following the 2025 campaign.
Not finished. Run it back. @MatthewBailey_7 pic.twitter.com/LMXq1DASSi
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) January 5, 2026
During his most recent season, Bailey totaled 76 tackles (59 solo), including 4 tackles for loss. He tallied a pair of pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles, recovering one of them against Duke in Week 2. The DB also ranked 23rd in the conference with an average of 6.3 tackles per game.
Following the season, Bailey was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention, starting each regular season game before missing the Music City Bowl due to injury.
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