Which Player Will Step Up to Carry Illinois Football's Defense?

Illinois is facing a lot of unknowns heading into the 2026 college football season: Can new quarterback Katin Houser replace Luke Altmyer's production? How will the defense respond to a new coordinator? Who will be the Illini's No. 1 wide receiver now that Hank Beatty has moved on? How will Kaden Feagin's transition from running back to tight end go?

But there may be one question mark more glaringly important than all the others: Who will carry the defense now that outside linebacker Gabe Jacas is off to the NFL?

Xavier Scott, Joe Barna and Pat Farrell all come to mind, but here's another pick: Matthew Bailey. With first-year defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck transitioning to a 3-3-5 scheme, Bailey's responsibilities in the Illini's new defense could be a little different from years past. But at the end of the day, Bailey's role at strong safety – and his performance there – may be the key that unlocks everything.

Frankly, Illinois is lucky to have Bailey at all. If it weren't for his season-ending shoulder injury, Bailey probably would have declared for the NFL Draft after last season. Illini coach Bret Bielema talked about how special Bailey is back in January, and there's no denying what he means to this group.

Despite not playing in the Music City Bowl against Tennessee, Bailey still led Illinois' defense last season with 76 tackles (including four tackles for loss) and added to forced fumbles, a recovered fumble and two pass break-ups.

Bailey's tackling will be counted on again in 2026, but Hauck's five-DB base defense could turn him loose as more of a playmaker. Rather than making so many stops downfield, after an opposing running back has already rumbled for eight yards or a receiver converts a chunk play on a deep crossing route, Bailey – strong and smart in his attack angles – could serve as an extra linebacker in the box.

His straight-line speed and anticipation skills could make him a primary blitz threat as well – and the Illini will need all the pressure Hauck can conjure in a defense with a Jacas-sized hole to fill.

"That's why you do what you do."#Illini Bret Bielema reflects on Matthew Bailey and his journey at Illinois so far.

"I knew this kid had something special to him from the first time I met him."

"Great things have always been around him." pic.twitter.com/5RK9Rb0seU
— Tristan Thomas (@TristanThomasTV) January 6, 2026

Regardless of whether Bailey stuffs the box score, he figures to be the defense's fulcrum. Among all Illini defenders, he has the most starting experience and may be the most versatile.

It might not be ideal for a safety to be a defense's best player, but beggars can't be choosers. With Hauck moving in and Jacas – as well as all four top defensive linemen – moving out, the Illini are quite literally starting over this season.

For Bailey to have a big year, Illinois will need him healthy. So don't be surprised if he doesn't go full bore or sits out more than usual during spring ball, or if the coaches monitor his reps in fall camp.