CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois running back Aidan Laughery had the best game of his college career, thus far, against Northwestern in the Illini’s 2024 regular season finale.

The Gibson City native ran for 172 yards on 14.3 yards per carry and found the end zone three times.

Now, entering his junior year, Laughery is hoping to carry the momentum from his late sophomore breakout.

“You experience what you experience and you carry those those lessons with you daily,” Laughery said. “You don’t forget the failure. You don’t forget the success. You know, you feel the failure more. That’s kind of been a driving factor for me. I know the failure. I know the preparation that goes into being prepared and it carries me forward every day.”

He led all Illinois running backs with 6.1 yards per carry as the Illini notched their first 10-win season since 2001.

“He has it,” Illinois running backs coach Thad Ward said. “He’s got it. I’ve had him for three years. He understands what he needs to do. He’s fully confident, aware of what he needs to do. I think he’s going to play really, really well this year.”

Laughery describes Ward’s coaching style as energetic, intense and fun.

The GCMS product is not the only local talent in the Illinois running back room. Both Laughery and Ward are more than excited about Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond graduate Kaden Feagin returning to full health for the 2025 campaign.