Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Running Back Kaden Feagin

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2025 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of Illini junior running back Kaden Feagin. We will add more as other on-field contributors emerge during the season. Find our scouting reports of other Illinois players by searching in your favorite browser or clicking in our projected depth chart.

Kaden Feagin | Running back | Junior | No. 3

Hometown: Atwood, IllinoisHigh school: Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-HammondHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 255 poundsPreseason honors: Athlon preseason All-Big Ten third team

Scouting report

Feagin brings a rare combination of size, power and athleticism to the running back position. Although more fluid than the typical power back, he has a hulking frame that makes him a menacing runner. He generates momentum quickly when working downhill and is difficult for defenders to bring down. His balance through contact is one of his best traits, as Feagin can absorb hits and continue forward with force. He also has an explosive first step for a back his size, which helps him hit holes with authority and pick up tough yards in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Beyond his physicality, Feagin shows good versatility for a big back. He can catch swing passes and screens out of the backfield and has enough agility to make defenders miss in space, though his strength is in wearing defenses down between the tackles. His vision is developing, but he reads blocks well and has the patience to let lanes open before committing. Although his lateral quickness isn’t elite, his straight-line burst and top-end speed make him a legitimate big-play threat when he reaches the second level. Overall, Feagin is a workhorse back who has the traits to be one of the best rushing threats in the Big Ten.

Experience

Feagin has already shown flashes of being a special talent during his time at Illinois. As a true freshman in 2023, he emerged quickly as a contributor, rushing for 438 yards on 95 carries for a robust 4.6 yards per attempt. His physical style of play stood out early, as he strung together 74 consecutive carries without a negative rush, and his performances earned him two Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors.

In 2024, Feagin built on that foundation, rushing for 306 yards and three touchdowns on 67 carries through just five games. He opened the year with a 100-yard performance against Eastern Illinois and continued to be a consistent presence in the offense until a hip injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Entering 2025, he has the potential to emerge as the centerpiece of Illinois’ offense while pushing for both comeback and conference honors.

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