Illinois’ backfield has a chance to look a whole lot different in 2026, and Ca’Lil Valentine sits right at the center of it.
After a 2025 season in which the Illini ranked No. 89 nationally with 138.1 rushing yards per game, the run game never really became the engine the program wanted behind quarterback Luke Altmyer. That made for a frustrating year on the ground, but Valentine’s trajectory gives Illinois a real reason to believe the script can flip.
The Chandler, Arizona, native arrived as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024 and came in as the No. 10-ranked player in Arizona. In his first season with Illinois, he put up 212 yards and a touchdown. Then he took a clear step forward last year, finishing with 614 rushing yards and four scores while leading the team with 131 carries.
At 5-foot-11, Valentine has started to look more comfortable every time he touches the ball. When Illinois opens the 2026 season on September 3, he’ll have a shot to chase something the program has not seen in a long time: its first 1,000-yard rusher since Chase Brown.
That’s the benchmark hanging out there now, and it comes at a time when Illinois is almost rebuilding itself in real time. Roughly 17 players came in through the transfer portal to help offset 26 departures, leaving the Illini with a new quarterback, several new receivers and a reshaped offensive line.
The offense is still sorting itself out during camp, and that’s why some fans may think talk of Valentine reaching 1,000 yards sounds ambitious. But the tools are obvious. He brings strength, speed and agility, and he has the look of a back who can carry a Big Ten workload.
He’ll also have help from the passing game. Opposing defenses will have to account for quarterback Katin Houser’s deep-ball ability, which could force them to back off and create more room for Valentine on the ground.
The biggest variable is up front. Illinois will start four new offensive linemen in 2026, including former Wisconsin Badger Jake Renfro and former Colorado State Ram Christian Martin. If that group comes together quickly and stays in sync, Valentine has the kind of runway to put together a huge season.
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