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 tackles six career tackles for loss and four career interceptions.
Bailey’s experience is a welcome sight for an Illini defensive backfield that will see massive changes as Illinois coaches have already acquired East Texas A&M defensive back Lavon Williams out of the transfer portal this past weekend. Illinois also signed highly acclaimed junior college prospect Jakwon Morris. The Illini also got returning news in the form of outside cornerback Jaheim Clarke.