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University of Illinois safety Matthew Bailey is entering his final season of college football looking to win games, make plays and boost his NFL Draft stock.
In the process of accomplishing all these things, he'll make memories that last a lifetime.
Earlier this month, the Illini star made a memory he'll certainly cherish for the rest of his life.
Shortly after we conducted this exclusive interview with Bailey, he joined his head coach, Bret Bielema , to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning of a Chicago Cubs home game against the Athletics.
Bielema also sang the stretch last season, with his then quarterback Luke Altmyer; who signed an UDFA deal with the Detroit Lions.
"I didn't practice," Bailey said of prepping to sing.
"I practiced the lyrics, not necessarily the singing voice, but Coach B is going to give me some pointers, and I'm pretty confident we'll do all right." All in all, the rendition went off smoothly, and the stretch-singing served as the center piece for the 2026 Illini Night at the Cubs.
U of I and the Cubs are teaming up to make an Illini Night an annual tradition, and it's one that grows more special each year.
Bailey, a projected mid-to-late round draft selection, is coming off an All-Big Ten honorable mention season.
However his finest college memory, at least so far, was winning the 2024 Citrus Bowl , 21-17 over #15 South Carolina.
The Moline, IL native was the defensive co-MVP in that game, as he set a school record for total tackles in a bowl game.
The preseason All-Big Ten third team pick reflected on the memorable experience of winning the Citrus Bowl, and holding up the trophy, attributing it to the camaraderie and relationships that were built during the season.
"Yeah, I think 100% that is a memory that I'll always keep with me, and the thing that made it special was the experience with the guys," he said.
"It was my first season being back 100% after the '23 season, and being able to experience staying healthy, for the most part, for a full season, it was awesome.
"The camaraderie and the relationships that I was able to build with the guys during that that season, and (it's) continuing to grow (today).
It's different when you're on the field versus off the field, "When you're injured and you're kind of behind the scenes, it's different than when you're on the field, in the trenches, with the guys every day, every week." This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Illinois DB Matthew Bailey had milestone moment at Chicago Cubs game.