Illini Likely To Return All Three Top Rushers From 2025 Season

The trio of rushing production for Illinois consisting of Kaden Feagin, Aidan Laughery and Ca'Lil Valentine are all expected to return for the Illini in the 2026 season.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 27, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — All three tailbacks leading the Illinois rushing attack this season are expected to return to Bret Bielema’s Illini program for the 2026 campaign.

Aidan Laughery, who received three starts including starts in the first two games of the 2025 season, confirmed in his post-practice availability to IlliniGuys.com he would not be considering the transfer portal after . . .

 

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 Recruiting Breakdown + Top 6 All-Time Best Illini QBs Ever #606

Listen

Illini Football Q&A Session #605

Listen

The Biggest Questions Facing the 2026 Fighting Illini Football Team #604

Listen

Illinois Football Preview: Katin Houser, Memorial Stadium Upgrades & Illini Recruiting Buzz 8.14.26

Listen

Mirković Injury Update + Illinois Hoops Talk, Illini Football Questions & World Cup Fallout 8.7.26

Listen

Illinois Football & Basketball 2026 Breakdown | QB Importance, Defensive Line Concerns & Hoops Hype #603

Listen

B1G Media Days, Illini Football & Illini Hoops Hype 7.31.26

Listen

Illini Football & Basketball Updates: Bielema, Underwood, NIL & Big Ten Buzz #602

Listen

Big Ten Media Days, Whitman Extension, Bret Bielema & Illini Football Buzz 7.24.26

Listen

Illinois Basketball Update: The Illini Could Be LOADED This Season #601

Listen

Illinois Basketball Top 5 Hype, Big Ten Schedule & Illini Women’s Rise | IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular 7.17.26

Listen

Illini Football Depth Chart Talk #600

Listen

Wagler Debut, Illini Hoops Update & Bielema on Dodd Watch List

Listen

599 - Illini Basketball & Football Expectation Setting

Listen

7.3.26 Illini Becoming NBA Guard U, Who's "Replacing" Keaton & Illini Football Update

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.