The Big Question: How Much Will Illinois Football Miss Josh McCray?

Although he made a solid impact in all four of his seasons at Illinois – and especially his last – McCray leaves the Illini with resources still remaining at running back. So here's The Big Question: What effect will McCray's departure ultimately have on the Illini’s 2025 campaign? Let's first take a look at the running backs set to replace him.

Kaden Feagin, 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior

Feagin, who ran for 306 yards and three touchdowns as Illinois’ lead back before suffering a Week 5 injury, is expected to be back to full health in 2025. A power back with a rushing style similar to that of McCray, Feagin seems poised to pick up exactly where McCray left off last season.

Aidan Laughery, 5-foot-11, 200-pound junior

A runner who possesses a combination of straight-line speed, power, agility and excellent vision, Laughery burst for 589 rushing yards (6.1 yards per carry) and four touchdowns in a somewhat limited role last season. Laughery's versatility will likely ensure that he and Feagin roughly split carries in 2025.

Ca’Lil Valentine, 5-foot-11, 190-pound sophomore

Valentine, a change-of-pace back with electrifying open-field speed and useful passing-down skills, offers a changeup from both Feagin and Laughery. Last year Valentine went for 212 yards and one touchdown as a runner while adding five receptions for 30 yards.

Illinois on SI verdict

For McCray to leave Illinois – a team fresh off its best season in decades and entering one featuring even higher expectations – in his final season of eligibility likely means one thing: He saw the writing on the wall. Whether McCray was told his role would be downsized in 2025, he almost certainly felt a squeeze for touches in the Illini backfield. His choice to head southeast to Georgia may be the best possible outcome – perhaps even for all sides – but in any case, it shouldn't leave Illinois any worse off in the backfield than had he stuck around.

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