Aidan Laughery: The Confident Running Back Shaping Illinois Football

A New Look and Renewed Confidence

As Aidan Laughery steps into his fourth season with the Illinois Fighting Illini, an undeniable confidence radiates from him. The former star from Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley wasn’t just showing up to practice; he debuted an eye-catching new accessory—a bold mustache that sparked conversation in the Illini running back room. It’s a look that’s elicited mixed reactions, particularly from his mother, Mary, who isn’t a fan. However, the encouragement from his coaches and teammates suggests that this mustached version of Laughery is here to stay.

Building Trust with Coaches

"Laughery’s confidence has never been in question," asserted his position coach, Thad Ward. Moments like the first practice, where he excitedly asked if he should cut the mustache, seem to demonstrate his readiness to embrace change and tackle hurdles head-on. "You look good," Ward responded, showcasing a trust built over years of perseverance and hard work. Offensive lineman Josh Kreutz echoed this sentiment: “I wouldn’t rock it, personally, but for him, that’s good.” That’s the essence of confidence—embracing who you are.

From Setbacks to Breakthroughs

Despite his burgeoning confidence, Laughery’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. Injuries thwarted his progress in 2022, again in 2023, and briefly at the start of last season. However, an amazing performance toward the end of the 2024 season drastically shifted the narrative. With an explosive outing at Wrigley Field against Northwestern, where he logged 172 rushing yards and three touchdowns, Laughery not only led the Illini to a 38-28 victory but also redefined his potential.

“That was a solidifying moment for him,” remarked offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. The breakout game acted like the tipping point for Laughery, transforming doubts into validation. The strong performance helped him gain a clearer vision of what he could achieve.

Experience and Growth

Laughery reflected on that exhilarating game, describing it as "a sense of relief." He emphasized the importance of being prepared to seize opportunities when they arise. With notable explosive plays during the season—like a stunning 29-yard draw against Michigan and a 34-yard run against Oregon—his capability was clear to everyone. Ward noted, “If you watch the games as closely as we do, you could see it coming.” This foresight underlined Laughery’s potential and demonstrated the growth that had been brewing beneath the surface.

Building Momentum

As Laughery entered this training camp, the momentum from his breakout game visibly carried over. “I know he’s really excited, and he looks really good,” Kreutz observed. Training reports indicated that Laughery not only trained fiercely in the weight room but also maintained impressive speed on the field.

Now in a competitive battle atop the Illinois depth chart alongside Kaden Feagin, Laughery’s drive remains as pronounced as ever. The recognition as a Doak Walker Award nominee—an honor he earned for the first time following his impressive stats from the previous season—couples well with his desire to make an impact.

Homegrown Dreams

Returning to Illinois felt like a perfect fit for Laughery, who embraced the chance to shine at a Division I level while staying close to his roots. His experiences—both positive and negative—have shaped who he is today. “You carry those lessons with you daily. You don’t forget the failure. You don’t forget the success,” he noted. This mindset drives him forward, fueling his determination and commitment to excellence.

Laughery’s story is one of resilience, confidence, and a relentless pursuit of greatness, showcasing how a combination of talent, hard work, and self-belief paves the way for remarkable athletic achievements. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Aidan Laughery as he takes the field not just as a player but as a testament to what it means to truly seize the moment.