Transfer Victor Dawson proved to be the workload running back as Illinois State earned its way to the FCS national championship game. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)
By Dan Verdun
Head coach Brock Spack’s Illinois State Redbirds rode a record-setting postseason performance all the way to the FCS national championship game.
ISU became the first team to win four straight road playoff games before falling, 35-34, in overtime to Montana State in the title game, which was played in Nashville’s First Bank Stadium.
“When you look at a game that’s a one-point loss, there are probably 10, 15, 20 plays that if you make one of them, you win it,” Spack said of the first FCS title game to go into overtime.
The Redbirds’ run to the title game seemed improbable following a shocking mid-October home loss to Youngstown State that left them with a 4-3 record.
Later, came a 37-7 loss at Hancock Stadium to rival Southern Illinois in the Nov. 22 regular season finale.
Yet, ISU regrouped after being named one of the last four teams receiving an at-large bid from the playoff selection committee. The Redbird defense tightened, forced key turnovers while the offense delivered comebacks at crunch time.
The result was a postseason for the ages.
Here’s a look back at ISU’s 2025 season:
Head coach: Brock Spack
Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference
Overall record (conference record): 12-5 (5-3)
Biggest win: There are many to choose from given ISU’s postseason path, but the Redbirds’ 29-28 victory in Fargo against top seed and defending national champion North Dakota State sent shockwaves throughout college football. Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse connected with receiver Daniel Sobkowicz twice for touchdowns in the game’s final minutes. Rittenhouse’s two-point conversion pass to tight end Scotty Presson Jr. provided the winning points.
Most disappointing loss: For the second time in program history, Illinois State came within an eyelash of winning the FCS national championship. ISU rallied back from a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit against Montana State to force overtime. The Redbirds scored two plays into OT when Dylan Lord hauled in his second touchdown of the game. However, Montana State blocked the extra point. The Bobcats scored on a 4th-and-10 from the 14-yard line and added its extra point for the walk-off win.
Breakout players
Offense: Transfer running back Victor Dawson emerged as the Redbirds marched through the postseason. Dawson, who began his career at FCS Merrimack before joining ISU from FBS Cincinnati, posted four straight 100-yard playoff performances. He ran for 126 yards in the title game. Dawson announced he will return to ISU next season.
Defense: Redshirt freshman Dexter Niekamp emerged in the second half of the season and continued his strong showing in the postseason. The younger son of defensive coordinator Travis Niekamp and brother of middle linebacker Tye, Dexter racked up 50 tackles, six for loss and four sacks. He also forced two fumbles and grabbed an interception.
Special teams: Redshirt freshman Ben Cooper developed into a standout player on kickoff coverage. The Maine West High School graduate was certainly circled on opposing scouting reports.
2026 season: Though its schedule has not been officially released, the website FBSchedules. com states ISU will open its season Sept. 5 at Western Illinois. The Redbirds visit FBS Northern Illinois Sept. 12.
Next up: Barry Bottino examines 5 Burning Questions facing Illinois State football.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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