Category: Illinois State University

Scotty Presson Jr. played travel baseball and AAU basketball while growing up in St. Louis. He won an Illinois Class 3A state football championship at East St. Louis and is considered by many to be the sharpest dressed Illinois State player. 

Saturday’s No. 18 Illinois State victory at No. 21 South Dakota, a team that the Redbirds are contending with for an at-large FCS playoff spot, could prove to be key come postseason selection time.

No, 18/20 Illinois State grabbed a key road victory Saturday that should enhance the Redbirds’ postseason resume.

Saturday’s key Missouri Valley Football Conference matchup between Illinois State and South Dakota may well determine a postseason berth.

Three years ago, Mason Kaplan stared down the Illinois State defense as the opposing quarterback for non-scholarship Valparaiso. Now, he’s a starting inside linebacker for the Top 10 Redbirds.

During each of Illinois State’s recent FCS playoff qualifying seasons, the Redbirds have featured a solid running game. This year appears to be on the same track.

Illinois State left tackle Brandon Smith shares his transition from limited playing time to developing into a starter along with his Indianapolis football connections and feelings for his family.

Southern Illinois rang up 656 yards of total offense en route to a 55-27 win against Indiana State.