2026 University of Illinois Depth Chart

Running back is a strength of this team, but fantasy managers will need to navigate a committee. We project Ca’Lil Valentine as the top option after his quiet breakout last season – he seized the starting job down the stretch, compiling 614 yards and 4 TD despite splitting carries. Valentine is the most dynamic and complete back on the roster, offering big-play ability and receiving skills that give him a higher ceiling. Power back Kaden Feagin will still be heavily involved, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations, which caps his week-to-week upside but keeps him firmly in the RB2 mix. Both Valentine and Feagin should benefit from Illinois’ run-focused scheme, even if they cannibalize each other’s touches. Senior Aidan Laughery provides experience and a change of pace, but after the emergence of Valentine he’s likely to be the third wheel. Unless injury strikes, Laughery’s role (and fantasy relevance) will remain limited behind the more explosive duo ahead of him.

Wide receiver has been overhauled via the portal, and our rankings balance proven production against incumbency. Alex Perry gets the nod as Illinois’ WR1 in fantasy – the 6’5″ transfer was a first-team All-CUSA playmaker with 56 catches, 840 yards and 9 TD at FIU, and that track record of end-zone production is hard to ignore even as he adjusts to Big Ten competition. Veteran Hudson Clement slots in next thanks to his reliable output; he’s coming off consecutive productive seasons (including 741 yards and 5 TD in 2024) as a go-to target in this offense. Rising junior Collin Dixon showcased a nose for the end zone with five touchdown receptions in 2025, and he has the talent to push higher, but we rank him WR3 until he proves he can out-produce the seniors ahead of him. Explosive FAU import Jayshon Platt brings 4.4-speed and a home-run element (720 yards, 5 TD last year), making him a high-upside WR4 who could deliver spike weeks as a deep threat and return specialist. For the final spots, redshirt freshman Brayden Trimble offers intriguing upside – his emergence after a redshirt year has the staff excited – while sixth-year transfer Ty Robinson provides size and experience but managed only 11 catches in 10 games at Ball State in 2025, reflecting both injury history and a lower fantasy ceiling. At tight end, we favor Christian Abney as TE1 by default, but he and Davin Stoffel have primarily been used as blockers to date. Unless one unexpectedly steps up as a featured receiver (a long shot in this offense), the Illini tight ends project as afterthoughts for fantasy, especially compared to the depth and talent out wide.