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Illinois Fighting Illini prepare for 2026 football season with new roster

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 5:21 PM

Last updated Sep 17, 2026

Illinois Fighting Illini prepare for 2026 football season with new roster

Summary

The Illinois Fighting Illini enter the 2026 football season with a significant roster overhaul as they prepare to replace key contributors. Katin Houser, a transfer from East Carolina, steps in at quarterback, aiming to build on a strong completion rate of 71% in the early season. The running game will rely on junior Ca’lil Valentine and senior Aidan Laughery, while senior Kaden Feagin transitions from running back to tight end. The defense faces challenges, needing to replace its entire front seven and much of the secondary. Head coach Bret Bielema hopes the team will gain experience and achieve bowl eligibility as the season progresses.

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By the Numbers

•Katin Houser takes over at quarterback, replacing Luke Altmyer.
•Ca’lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery lead the running back core.
•Kaden Feagin shifts from running back to tight end for the 2026 season.
•Illinois must rebuild its defense after losing its front seven.
•Bret Bielema aims for improved performance by November.

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5:21 PMYahoo Sports — Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 Football Preview

What they're saying

"
Some of the more headscratching losses over Nebraska’s lost decade have come at the hands of the Illini. Start with Mike Riley’s throw-the-ball-into-a-gale debacle in 2015, the “field a punt at the goal line” mistakes of 2021 or the Dylan Raiola in full retreat overtime offense in 2024. Almost as bad as against Minnesota; we […]
— Yahoo Sports

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