Illinois rules running back Ferguson out for Penn State game

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois running back Josh Ferguson will sit out again against Penn State on Saturday because of a shoulder injury. Illinois (4-3, 1-2 Big

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois running back Josh Ferguson will sit out again against Penn State on Saturday because of a shoulder injury.

Illinois (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) ruled out Ferguson on Thursday night in its injury report.

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

• Georgia
• Utah
• Alabama
• UCLA
• Notre Dame
• Texas
• Miami (FL)
• Tennessee
• Indiana
• BYU
• Kentucky
• Texas Tech

PREREGISTER TO PLAY

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See Official Rules for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

Ferguson has missed two games after injuring the shoulder against Nebraska. Interim coach Bill Cubit said this week that he doubted Ferguson would be ready for the Penn State (6-2, 3-1) game.

Freshman Ke'Shawn Vaughn is again expected to be the starting running back. Vaughn is Illinois' leading rusher with 447 yards on 108 carries and four touchdowns.

The injury report also listed receiver Justin Hardee as now out for the season. Hardee was expected to be a starter this season but has not played since breaking his foot during the summer.