Preseason Honors
Four Illinois State University football players have been selected to the preseason All‑American teams announced by Stats Perform, earning recognition across the Football Championship Subdivision.
Senior linebacker Tye Niekamp heads the list with First‑Team honors, a distinction that reflects his 2025 campaign in which he topped the FCS with 160 total tackles and earned consensus All‑American status.
Running back Victor Dawson, also a senior, received Second‑Team accolades after ranking third in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with 1,377 rushing yards and posting a 5.0 yards‑per‑carry average over 17 games.
Offensive lineman Landon Woodard was placed on the Third‑Team list, highlighting his role on a line that propelled the Redbirds to average 169.8 rushing yards per game.
Safety La'Shavion Brown also earned Third‑Team notice, having ranked second on the squad with 93 tackles and contributing to the team’s run to the FCS National Championship game.
Season Outlook
With the preseason accolades setting high expectations, the Redbirds aim to translate individual honors into team success as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.