Illinois State football has been selected to finish fourth in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll, following a strong season that saw them reach the national championship game. This marks 31 consecutive weeks that the Redbirds have been ranked in the poll, the sixth-longest streak in FCS history. Montana State is ranked first after winning the previous championship, and South Dakota State is ranked third. The Redbirds return a solid roster, including key players such as All-American Tye Niekamp and offensive star Victor Dawson, who contributed significantly to last year's playoff run.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois State returns 42 letterwinners and nine starters from last year's team.
  • Victor Dawson had 1,377 rushing yards and five touchdowns last season.
Yes, But

While the Redbirds have strong returning players, the competition is stiff, especially with Montana State holding the top spot and multiple teams from the Missouri Valley Football Conference ranked. The pressure is on to maintain their playoff presence amidst increased expectations.

State of Play
  • Illinois State ranks fourth in the preseason poll, marking their sustained success in the FCS rankings.
  • They are set to compete in a conference with six ranked teams, indicating a highly competitive environment.
What's Next

The Redbirds aim to leverage their returning talent to make another deep playoff run this season, with a particular focus on key matchups in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Maintaining health and performance in early games will be crucial.

Bottom Line

As a preseason top contender, Illinois State must capitalize on their returning talent and navigate a challenging conference schedule to make a strong push for the national title, echoing last season's historic performance.