Preseason Outlook for Redbird Football
The Missouri Valley Football Conference released its preseason poll, positioning South Dakota State as the clear favorite with 28 first‑place votes and 312 total points. Behind the Jackrabbits, the Redbirds secured second place, collecting three first‑place votes and 256 points, signaling strong expectations from coaches and voters alike.
Illinois State’s showing was bolstered by a solid voter base, as the team finished ahead of Youngstown State, North Dakota and South Dakota, which rounded out the top five. The poll highlighted the competitive balance within the league and set the stage for a tightly contested season.
The conference also announced a preseason watch list that featured twelve Redbird players, underscoring the depth of talent returning to Hancock Stadium. This recognition reflects the program’s ongoing development and the individual prospects of each student‑athlete.
Fans can look forward to the season opener on August 29, when Illinois State hosts St. Francis at Jay and Lori Bergman Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Central Time, promising an early‑night showdown that will kick off a campaign filled with high hopes.
Season tickets and mini‑plans are now available for purchase through GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, while the GoRedbirds.com site and the Illinois State Redbirds App provide comprehensive coverage, including ticketing, scholarship fund contributions, multimedia content, merchandise and photo galleries.