CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — At a Thursday press conference, it was announced that Illinois running back Kaden Feagin will be switching positions and will be a tight end in 2026.
Feagin has been with the Illini for the past three seasons, spending all of his time in the backfield as an RB.
In 2025, he finished the season with 507 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while also catching 16 passes for 188 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
When asked about how he feels about Feagin’s position change-up, newly-hired
Illinois tight ends coach Jared Elliott was enthusiastic.
“I’m fired up about it,” Elliott said. “He’s going to fit really well in what we’re going to ask him to do and help that room. I’m excited to get to work with him.”
With just 30 receptions across his collegiate career, the Illinois-native hasn’t necessarily been known for catching the ball, so his transition might seem a little confusing from a distance.
However, after getting up close and personal, Feagin’s staggering 6-foot-3 and 255-pound figure explains some things.
“He’s got the build, he’s got the frame, you know, he’s got the athleticism, he’s got all the physical traits and the skill set is there,” Elliott said.
And when Feagin does catch the ball and get a full head of steam behind him, big things can happen.
For example, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema referenced a play from the Illini’s win over USC last season, where the RB took a short pass all the way to the house for a 64-yard touchdown.
“He ran that swing route against USC, and he eclipsed 21 mph, like I’m like ‘Holy sh** this kid can run,’” Bielema said.
Coincidentally, Feagin will be switching spots with Jordan Anderson, who was a tight end in 2025 and is making the move to the running back room in 2026.
With Feagin’s departure, that likely leaves players like Anderson, returners in Ca’Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery and three-star freshman Javari Barnett to command the Illini backfield next season.
