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Projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – offense

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. The Illinois Fighting Illini won the game, 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. The Illinois Fighting Illini won the game, 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Love III (23) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Love III (23) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back

  • Starter: Reggie Love III

It has been a while, but it is finally Reggie Love III’s time. He joined the Illinois football program back in 2020 as a highly-touted recruit, but he hasn’t been able to secure the starting job due to some pretty talented running backs ahead of him, like Chase Brown.

I have Love coming into the 2023 campaign as the starter for the Illini. He played in every game last season and started in the ReliaQuest Bowl with Brown declaring for the NFL Draft. What I saw out of Love in that bowl game was impressive. He has the ability to make defenders miss and to get to the edge. I think Illinois is going to be in good hands with Love leading the way in the backfield.

  • 2nd String: Josh McCray

Josh McCray was an instant success when he joined the Illinois program in 2021. He was a monster to stop, but there has been one big issue for the talented running back and that is injuries. McCray has only played in 15 games in two seasons due to lingering injury issues. If he can stay on the field, McCray will get plenty of snaps. I have him entering 2023 as the second-string running back.

  • 3rd String: Kaden Feagin

Illinois has a wild card in the backfield this season in the form of Kaden Feagin. The freshman four-star recruit enters the program with a lot of hype. At 6-foot-3, 221 pounds, he is going to be able to bowl some defenders over as well. If the running game is stagnant in the first week or two, don’t be surprised if Feagin sees some shine. This kid has a ton of potential and has a chance to play a lot in year one. For right now, I have him in the third string.

  • 4th String: Aidan Laughery/Jordan Anderson

The fourth string for Illinois is probably going to be a combination of Aidan Laughery and Jordan Anderson. Both running backs came in from the class of 2022, and they both took a redshirt last season. These two provide the Illini with some pretty impressive depth. I would only expect to see them during blowout games, though.

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