Aidan LaugheryAidan Laughery is an American college football running back for the Illinois Fighting Illini.Early lifeLaughery attended Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School in Gibson City, Illinois. He missed significant playing time during his senior year after suffering an injury. Laughery committed to play college football at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over an offer from Iowa.College careerLaughery played sparingly during his first two seasons, redshirting in 2022. In 2023, he scored his first collegiate touchdown against Florida Atlantic. His production increased in 2024, as he served as the Fighting Illini's starting running back in the season opener. Against Northwestern, Laugherty rushed for 172 yards and three touchdowns, being named the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week. He finished the 2024 season recording 589 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Entering the 2025 season, Laughery was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list.