Staff Directory
- Title:
- Student Assistant Coach
- Phone:
- 217-333-1400
Ayden Knapik is in his first season as a student assistant coach for the Fighting Illini. He is a former college football offensive lineman at Idaho (2022-24) and Illinois (2025).
Knapik was a three-time All-Big Sky performer at Idaho before transferring to Illinois, including earning All-Big Sky First Team honors in 2024 in his final season at Idaho. He started 34 games in three seasons at Idaho and helped the Vandals to two straight FCS Quarterfinals appearance, the program's first trips to the FCS Quarterfinals since 1993.
Knapik transferred to Illinois in 2025 but was forced to medically retire from football. He entered the coaching profession following the 2025 season.
Knapik is majoring in agribusiness, markets, & management at the University of Illinois with an expected graduation in December 2026. He is a native of Kennewick, Washington.
