In 2023, University of Illinois safety Matthew Bailey missed 11 of 12 games due to injury, and took a redshirt season. The Illini football team went 5-7. Here's Illinois' record for the three seasons where he's been fully healthy and playing every game- 2025: 9-4, 2024: 10-3, 2022: 8-5. That says it all right there, in regards to the defensive back's importance and value to … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Star DB Matthew Bailey Talks ’26 Illini Season, Xavier Scott and More