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Matthew Bailey to return to Illinois for the 2026 season gives the Illini defense a key veteran presence in the secondary. The two-time All-Big Ten

Illinois safety Matthew Bailey will return for the 2026 season, the school announced on Monday.  

Matthew Bailey Illinois

Orange and Blue News

Orange & Blue News

Illinois safety Matthew Bailey returning for 2026 season gives defense a major boost

Illini Music City Bowl update - Illinois will head to Nashville with a mix of certainty and change. As the Illini prepare for their first appearance

NCAA Football: Illinois at Wisconsin

Music City Bowl: Altmyer discusses why he's playing, Bailey out after surgery

Illinois visits Indiana on Saturday in what has traditionally been a Big Ten snoozer but this year as the Hoosiers and the Illini have built their

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Rivals Football Recruiting

Rivals

Indiana, Illinois find different paths to success in recruiting

Illinois football shut out Western Michigan 38-0 on Saturday night in Champaign, improving to 3-0 on the season.  In the Illini post game interviews,

NCAA Football: Western Michigan at Illinois

Sep 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) applauds teammates during the second half against the Western Michigan Broncos at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Watch:  Illini players post game vs. Western Michigan

Matthew Bailey is the No. 5 Illini player for 2025. The junior safety kicks off our top 5 as we continue our countdown to No. 1.   The college

NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Illinois

Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Matthew Bailey (7) pursues Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Jordyn Williams (18) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

No. 5 Illini player for 2025:  Safety Matthew Bailey

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