In Bret Bielema’s time at the helm of Illinois football, we’ve seen a steady influx of talent-through both the high school pipeline and the transfer portal. And while not every big-name recruit has followed a straight path to stardom, some are finding new ways to make their impact felt in Champaign.
One of those players is Kaden Feagin, a former four-star recruit whose journey has taken a new turn. After battling injuries early in his career and facing a crowded running back room, Feagin is making a position switch that could redefine his role-and maybe even his future.
According to Bielema, the conversation started quietly in early December. “Kaden came to me, probably the first week of December,” Bielema said during a press conference.
“I got a text from Feagin, and he said, ‘Hey coach, you got a minute?’ I’m like, oh boy, this is going to start…”
Given the timing and the depth at running back, it would’ve been easy to assume Feagin was about to hit the transfer portal. Instead, he had something else in mind.
“He literally came in, and he sat down and said, ‘I want to move to tight end.’ And I am like, alright,” Bielema recalled.
Just like that, Feagin is heading into his senior season with a new position and a fresh opportunity. And this one could stick.
Feagin’s time in the Illinois backfield has been marred by injuries, but he’s still managed to put up 1,251 total yards and 12 touchdowns across three seasons. What stands out, though, is his development as a pass-catcher. This past season alone, he doubled his career totals in receptions and receiving yards, finishing with 16 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Those numbers suggest a player who was already beginning to evolve beyond the traditional running back role. Now, at 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, Feagin’s frame and skill set could translate well to tight end-a position that demands size, athleticism, and versatility. He checks all those boxes.
This move isn’t just about giving Feagin a better shot at playing time-it also makes a lot of sense for the Illini roster.
Illinois enters 2026 with a clear direction at running back. Ca’Lil Valentine is poised to be the lead man after a strong sophomore campaign, and there’s depth behind him with Aidan Laughery, John Forster, and Cedric Wyche II all ready to contribute. The backfield is in good hands.
But tight end? That’s a different story.
With Cole Rusk and Tanner Arkin both gone and Jordan Anderson moving back to running back, the tight end room has plenty of snaps up for grabs. Feagin’s arrival at the position couldn’t come at a better time. His size, physicality, and experience as a ball-carrier could give Illinois a dynamic option at tight end-one who can block, catch, and create mismatches all over the field.
Feagin’s transition won’t be without its challenges. Learning the nuances of tight end play-from route trees to blocking assignments-is no small task. But if he can stay healthy and continue to build on the receiving skills he flashed last season, there’s a real opportunity here for him to become a key piece of the Illini offense.
And for a program looking to take the next step under Bielema, that kind of versatility matters.
So while it’s not the move many expected, Kaden Feagin’s shift to tight end might just be the spark Illinois didn’t know it needed. It’s a fresh start for a talented player-and one that could pay dividends on both sides of the equation.