Illinois football relies on experienced running back group for 2026

Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney plans to utilize an experienced trio of running backs to stabilize the team's offensive production this season. The coaching staff is showing comfort with the depth at the position, which features Kaden Feagin, Aidan Laughery, Ca’Lil Anderson, and Jordan Anderson. The team is currently reviewing 2025 rushing statistics as part of its preseason preparations to determine specific workloads for the upcoming schedule. Incoming freshmen are also joining the group as the program evaluates its options in the backfield. Lunney continues to emphasize the importance of veteran leadership within the running back room to facilitate improvement over previous years. These position previews remain ongoing as the team settles its roster ahead of the season.

• 4:08 AMYahoo Sports — Stability in the run game should give Illinois’ offense a boost