Smash & Dash: Why Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery Are My 2025 CFF Duo
I have given Illinois two headed monster, Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery the nickname Smash & Dash. These guys lit up the Big Ten in 2024, fueling the Illini’s 10-3 season and Citrus Bowl W, and with Josh McCray now at Georgia, they’re ready to run the show in 2025. Let’s dive into how Feagin’s power and Laughery’s speed make them the ultimate duo and why they’re locked into my CFF lineup.
Smash & Dash: The Backfield Vibe Check
In 2024, Illinois’ ground game was straight up electric, and Feagin and Laughery were the plug. Coach Bret Bielema’s run heavy offense (top-30 in rushing attempts last season) leaned on these two to keep defenses guessing. Here’s how they vibe:
• Kaden Feagin (Smash): This 6’3”, 250 pound beast is all about wrecking shop. A 2023 All-Big Ten stud, Feagin piled up 242 yards in just four games in 2024 before a knee injury hit, averaging 60.5 yards. He’s the smash, bulldozing linebackers and forcing defenses to stack the box. Feagin’s the dude who sets the tone, grinding out yards like a Midwest freight train.
• Aidan Laughery (Dash): At 5’11” and 185 pounds, Laughery’s got that next level speed (10.58-second 100-meter dash in high school) that makes DBs look silly. In 2024, he averaged 7.9 yards per carry in the opener against Eastern Illinois (10 carries, 79 yards) and went off for 172 yards and three TDs on 12 carries against Northwestern, snagging Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week. Laughery’s the dash, hitting the edge and turning gaps into viral highlight reels.
Together, Smash & Dash are a vibe. Feagin’s power forces defenses to crash inside, opening lanes for Laughery to zip through for big plays. When Feagin went down in 2024, Laughery stepped up, showing he can handle more touches. It’s like prime Jonathan Taylor paired with a young Tyreek Hill, smash sets up dash for maximum damage. “Feagin smashes ‘em, then Laughery dashes for a 60-yard TD.”
2025 Glow-Up: Smash & Dash Take Over
With McCray gone after his 609-yard, 11-touchdown 2024 season, Feagin and Laughery are the main characters in Illinois backfield for 2025. Bielema’s gonna keep pounding the rock, and these two are about to eat. Here’s how they’ll keep the sauce:
• Feagin’s Smash Mode: If Feagin’s knee is 100%, he’s the RB1, looking at 15–20 carries a game. His size makes him a goal line lock, racking up TDs. Illinois 2025 schedule has juicy matchups against Purdue, Iowa, and Minnesota, where Feagin can feast. His power sets up the offense, controlling the clock and wearing down D linemen for Laughery to exploit.
• Laughery’s Dash Factor: Laughery slides into the RB2 role, likely getting 8–12 touches a game, including carries and swing passes. His speed is perfect for torching tired defenses, especially late in games. With McCray out, Laughery could hit 800–1,000 total yards, especially if Feagin’s injury history pops up. His receiving game makes him a third-down weapon, adding that extra sauce.
Illinois’ offense, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer (2,573 yards, 22 TDs in 2024), is built to lean on the run, and Smash & Dash will keep defenses shook. Feagin’s power owns close games, while Laughery’s speed can flip the script with one play. Their chemistry is gonna make Memorial Stadium a tough spot for opponents.
Slotting Smash & Dash into My CFF Lineup
In CFF, I’m all about balancing high floor studs with high ceiling sleepers, and Feagin and Laughery are the perfect combo. Here’s how they fit into my 2025 roster:
• Kaden Feagin (Smash, RB1/RB2): His workload and goal-line touches give him a high floor, likely hitting 15–18 PPR points per week (based on his 12.1 points per game in 2024 before injury). He’s my RB1 or RB2, locking in consistent production. Against soft defenses like Purdue or Northwestern, Feagin could drop 100 yards and a couple of scores, making him a no-brainer starter.
• Aidan Laughery (Dash, RB3/Flex): Laughery’s my sleeper, a late round steal (rounds 10–12 or waiver-wire add) with RB3 or flex potential. His big-play ability (7.9 yards per carry in limited 2024 action) makes him a boom or bust guy who can win weeks with one long run. In PPR leagues, his receiving work adds a point or two per game. I’m grabbing Laughery as a handcuff to Feagin, locking up Illinois backfield if Feagin’s injury bug bites. Matchups against Minnesota or Iowa could see him pop for 80–100 total yards and a TD.
My game plan is to draft Feagin for reliability and Laughery for upside, owning Illinois backfield points. This duo covers all scenarios. Feagin dominates grind it out games, while Laughery shines in blowouts or when the Illini need a spark.
What’s got me stoked about Smash & Dash is how they bring different flavors to the table. Feagin’s power keeps my lineup steady, while Laughery’s speed drops game changing plays. Illinois offense is on the come up after 2024’s 10 win season, and Bielema’s run first mentality (top-30 rushing attempts) means both guys will eat. Their local roots (Feagin from Arthur, Laughery from Gibson City) give them that gritty chemistry that’s gonna light up the Big Ten.
For my CFF squad, Feagin’s my rock, Laughery’s my lottery ticket, and together, they’re a matchup proof duo. Whether it’s Feagin smashing for a goal line score or Laughery dashing for a 60 yard TD, Smash & Dash have me dreaming of CFF glory in 2025. I’m circling them in my draft prep and ready to watch them ball out in Champaign.
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