CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois running back Aidan Laughery earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after a stellar performance in the Illini’s 38-28 victory over Northwestern at Wrigley Field.
Laughery set career highs with 172 rushing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his offensive talents. His scoring runs of 64, 31, and 30 yards helped Illinois secure a pivotal win to close out the regular season. Laughery averaged an impressive 14.3 yards per carry during the game.
Laughery joined an elite group of players this season, becoming only the third in the Big Ten to rush for 170+ yards and 3+ touchdowns in a single game. He also became the third Power-4 player to average over 14.0 yards per carry on 10+ carries this season, placing him among college football’s most dynamic rushers.
The Illini capped their regular season at 9-3 overall and 6-3 in conference play, securing a spot in the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll at No. 21.