Post- Portal Position Paper: The Running Backs

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

January 30, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Illini will start the 2026 season with the same three backs that figured to lead them in the 2025 season: Ca'Lil Valentine, Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery. However, with the recent news that the Illini are experimenting with Feagin as a tight end next year and the addition of two more excellent prospects, I don't expect 2026 to be more of the same for this group. For one thing, Valentine passed Feagin as the primary back as the year went on and he . . .

 

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