The transfer portal took an Illinois football running back just days ago, and on the surface, this looks like a hit to the program.
When you see the news that running back Josh McCray has entered the transfer portal, some people instantly think the Illini lost a big-time player. He was key in some big games last season. But the narrative is a bit off, though. I even saw someone say Illinois lost its starting running back. That isn’t necessarily the case.
Illinois had a platoon at running back in 2024. Kaden Feagin was the main guy through the first half of the season until he had season-ending surgery. Illinois then went essentially running back by committee. Bret Bielema didn’t lean on one player too much throughout the season.
Losing McCray is never fun, though. He had a great season and without him, I don’t think Illinois wins that bowl game. But the Illinois running back room will be just fine now that he is off the roster.
A look into the Illinois football running back room for the 2025 season
- Kaden Feagin (JR)
Illinois really has a three-headed monster entering the 2025 campaign. While losing McCray is never fun, we still have plenty of talent on the roster. The hope is that Kaden Feagin will be fully healthy by game one.
Feagin missed the majority of last season after having hip surgery. He did play in five games and amassed 306 yards and three touchdowns. Feagin was starting to hit his stride in his last couple of games against Nebraska and Penn State, averaging 5.8 and 4.9 yards per carry, respectively.
When the 2025 season opens, even if Feagin is healthy, I think Illinois is still going to go with a running back by committee. Feagin is a great player, but he needs to be eased back into action. Bielema also went with this game plan last year.
- Aidan Laughery (JR)
I think there is a solid chance the starter in game one this upcoming season is going to be Aidan Laughery. The talented running back has shown explosion out of the Illinois backfield, and he played in 12 games last season.
Laughery had some big moments in 2024. He notched his first 100-yard rushing game against Northwestern, torching them for 172 yards and three touchdowns. He also put up 12 carries for 69 yards against Oregon.
Illinois would be in good hands with Laughery getting the starting nod. Like I mentioned earlier, this is going to be a three-headed monster. Laughery might start, but I believe Bielema is going to give carries to all three players. If Laughery averages the 6.1 yards per carry as he did last season, then he will make a case for more of the carries share throughout the season.
- Ca’Lil Valentine (SO)
The player I am most excited to see on the field more in 2025 is Ca’Lil Valentine. The former four-star recruit got to dabble in playing time last season as a freshman, and now he doesn’t have McCray in front of him anymore.
When Valentine did hit the field, you could see he was electric. He wasn’t able to get into a rhythm often due to a lack of snaps, but this kid has great vision and the ability to slip through holes in the offensive line.
I think there is a chance, especially early on, that Valentine sees a lot of carries. With Feagin still getting up to speed, Valentine seems to be the primary backup and someone who could get 10-12 carries per game. Look for this kid to shock some people in 2025.
- John Forster (FR)
You are never sure how much freshmen will play in year one. If Illinois’ roster were weaker, I would say there is a strong chance John Forster gets some early shine.
Forster was a three-star recruit who was the No. 577 player in the class of 2025 and the No. 49 running back in the country. With both Feagin and Laughery being juniors, look for Forster to take a redshirt this season and then in a couple of years, be a breakout star for this program as a redshirt sophomore.
- Cedric Wyche
I believe Cedric Wyche is an intriguing running back as well. Much like Forster, Wyche won’t see playing time in year one, and a redshirt probably awaits him.
Wyche and Forster are both the future at the running back position, alongside Valentine. If all three stick with the program, this will be the best running back room Illinois has had in decades. Look for this position to be a highlight of the offense for years to come.