Illinois football’s ever-growing presence in the preseason award watchlists has added new names to enter the ring. Before Aug. 5, seven Illini were already on various watchlists. Now, there are 10, with some new names and some already in preseason award lists.
Doak Walker Award
The Doak Walker Award, first introduced in 1989, is an award given to the most outstanding running back in college football. It is a tribute to the 1948 Heisman Trophy winner, Doak Walker. Some of the former winners include Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty in 2024 and Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II in 2023.
Two Illini have been named to the award’s watchlist, which consists of 27 programs and 103 players.
Kaden Feagin – running back
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The 2025 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten Third Team member was named to the Doak Walker Award checklist for a second consecutive season. Feagin helped Illinois get off to a hot start in 2024, averaging 68.6 yards per game for the first five games.
Feagin started 2024 with a career-high performance in Illinois’ first game of the season, recording 108 rushing yards on 16 carries. He later went on to record a rushing touchdown in each of Illinois’ first three games of 2024. An injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season, but he hopes to power Illinois’ offense in 2025.
Aidan Laughery – running back
Laughery earned well-deserved recognition on the award watchlist after a vital role last season. He started nine out of the 12 games he played, and helped Illinois power through various important wins, including the Citrus Bowl Game victory against South Carolina.
He led the team with 6.1 yards per attempt last season. Laughery also played a crucial role in Illinois’ win against Northwestern at Wrigley Field. With career-best numbers of 172 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 12 attempts, he was named the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week. Laughery’s looking to add more highlights to his growing resume and prove his mettle this season.
Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award – Luke Altmyer
Altmyer found his name on a third award watchlist after the Davey O’Brien Foundation’s announcement on Aug. 7. The Davey O’Brien Award is the oldest and most prestigious award a collegiate quarterback can win. Some of the past winners include Miami’s Cam Ward in 2024 and Louisiana State’s Jayden Daniels in 2023.
The Illinois quarterback, entering his senior season, is one of 36 players on the watchlist. Altmyer recorded 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions last season, and he already has several award lists watching over him for 2025.
John Mackey Award Watch List – tight end Tanner Arkin
Arkin was the latest Illini to earn a spot on an award watchlist. The Mackey Award Foundation announced the award watchlist comprising 46 tight ends on Aug. 8. Arkin is one of the 12 Big Ten tight ends to be named to the list.
The John Mackey Award is presented to the most outstanding tight end in college football. Penn State’s Tyler Warren won it in 2024.
Arkin has been a leader at Illinois and has been a key contributor to its success. He was voted the team captain for the record-breaking 2024 Illini team. He was a consistent performer over the 2024 season, playing all 13 games and recording 16 catches for 111 yards with three touchdowns.
Football Fall
As the start of the football season draws closer, these 10 Illini, alongside their teammates, will get ready for another season of college football. Illinois will be back in action on Aug. 29 at Memorial Stadium to kickstart its season against Western Illinois.
