Matthew Bailey Announces Return to Illini For 2026 Season

Illinois safety Matthew Bailey has elected to pass on the 2026 National Football League Draft in order for one final season of college football in Champaign-Urbana.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

January 5, 2026

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Matthew Bailey has decided the National Football League can wait one more season. 

The Illinois safety announced on social media Monday evening that he’ll be on the Illini’s 2026 roster and has passed on putting his name in the upcoming NFL Draft. Bailey has 27 career starts at safety and produced games 185 career . . .

 

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