What Does Having Matthew Bailey Back Mean For Illinois? We’re All About to Find Out

Illinois third-year safety Matthew Bailey doesn’t have the playing experience to account for the talk of his importance to the Illini’s defense but don’t tell that to his coaches and teammates.

August 5, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The responsibility being hoisted upon Matthew Bailey inside and outside the Smith Family Football Complex is not parallel to a player who has experienced just one start, missed nearly the entire 2023 season and has only one start in his college football career . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Illini Hoops & Football Schedules, Illini HOF Voting & More - 6.6.25 - S4Ep43

Listen

FB Portal Thoughts, Expectations, BB Update & for the 1st Time in My Life...#483

Listen

May 30 - Hr2 - S4Ep42 - Illini Recruiting, NBA Draft, Caitlin Clark & More

Listen

May 30 - Hr1 - S4Ep42 - FB & BB Contracts, FB & Golf Update & Brian Barnhart

Listen

May 23 - Hr2 - S4Ep41 - French Open, Indiana Pro Hoops & Softball

Listen

May 23 - Hr1 - S4Ep41 - Illini FB Recruiting, Golf and Track

Listen

High School Recruiting Takes the Spotlight - #482

Listen

May 16 - Hr2 - S4Ep40 - Chicago Sky, ACC Issues & Northwestern Stadium

Listen

May 16 - Hr1 - S4Ep40 - Coaching Contracts, NBA Draft, Football & Golf Updates

Listen

Bielema and Underwood Earn Contract Extensions - #481

Listen

May 9 - Hr2 - S4Ep39 - Saban, Podziemski & White Sox Struggles

Listen

May 9 - Hr1 - S4Ep39 - Illini Golf, Adkins Golf Club & Illini Recruit JC Anderson

Listen

May 2 - Hr2 - S4Ep38 - Kentucky Derby and NFL Draft Wrap

Listen

May 2 - Hr1 - S4Ep38 - Stojakovic Selects Illinois

Listen

Andrej Stojakovic Selects the Fighting Illini - #480

Listen