Illinois State University is set to open the 2026 football season with a Week Zero matchup against St. Francis (Ill.) on August 29, 2026, a date that marks the fourth chapter of a series that has favored the Redbirds since the early 1990s.
The Normal legacy
The two programs first met in Normal in 1991, when Illinois State edged out St. Francis by a 19‑17 score. Since then the Redbirds have added two more victories, all played on their home turf, giving them a perfect 3‑0 edge heading into the 2026 encounter.
Beyond the historical edge, Illinois State arrives with momentum built on a dominant road performance in 2025. The team finished the season 9‑0 against FCS opponents away from home and capped the year with a four‑game road winning streak that made history as the first such feat in playoff history.
Key pieces returning
The Redbirds will bring back 42 letterwinners and nine starters from last year’s playoff squad, including senior linebacker Tye Niekamp, who is a leading candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award as the nation’s top defensive player in the FCS. Freshmen Luke Mailander and Dexter Niekamp earned Freshman All‑America honors in 2025, while senior tailback Victor Dawson logged six 100‑plus yard rushing games, finishing with 1,377 yards and five touchdowns.
St. Francis (Ill.) enters the game after a 3‑7 overall record in 2025, highlighted by a 1‑4 mark in conference play. Carl Bew was the Saints’ most versatile weapon, topping the team in eight statistical categories and scoring eight total touchdowns.
Looking ahead
With the schedule set and the roster bolstered, Illinois State hopes to extend its road dominance and keep its playoff streak alive. The upcoming clash will be more than a season opener; it will be a test of depth, experience, and the ability to translate early‑season road success into sustained excellence.