CHICAGO – The Illinois State football team was ranked No. 21 in the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25 announced Monday.
The Redbirds are looking to get back to the top of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and into the playoffs, after snapping a three-year playoff streak last season after a 6-5 campaign. ISU is led by head coach Brock Spack, who begins his 10th season at the helm of the program (68-40) and has guided the 'Birds to eight winning seasons and four total playoff appearances in his tenure.
The Redbirds return 42 letterwinners and 12 starters from last year's squad, including three players on offense that were named to the MVFC All-Conference team a year ago in running back James Robinson (1st Team), Spencer Schnell (2nd Team) and tight end Tylor Petkovich (Honorable Mention).