WACO, Texas – The Illinois State football team found itself back in the preseason national rankings Monday, as the Redbirds were selected at No. 20 in the first-ever AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25 Poll. The AFCA begins administration of the FCS poll for the first time, which had been run by the Southern Conference.
The Redbirds had been previously ranked No. 21 in the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25 announced last week.
The Redbirds are looking to get back to the top of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and into the playoffs, after snapping a three-year playoff streak last season after a 6-5 campaign. ISU is led by head coach Brock Spack, who begins his 10th season at the helm of the program (68-40) and has guided the 'Birds to eight winning seasons and four total playoff appearances in his tenure.
The Redbirds return 42 letterwinners and 12 starters from last year's squad, including three players on offense that were named to the MVFC All-Conference team a year ago in running back James Robinson (1st Team), Spencer Schnell (2nd Team) and tight end Tylor Petkovich (Honorable Mention). 2017 MVFC All-Newcomer Team selections Drew Himmelman and Markel Smith are also back for the 'Birds, who look to make it back to the playoffs in 2018.
North Dakota State ended the 2017 season winning their sixth FCS national title in seven years. The Bison begin 2018 the same way they ended last year, at No. 1. Last season's national runner-up, James Madison, starts the season at No. 2. The Dukes are followed by MVFC stalwart South Dakota State at No. 3, Sam Houston State at No. 4 and Kennesaw State rounding out the Top 5. Other MVFC representatives in the poll include UNI (No. 12) and Youngstown State (No. 24).
Illinois State opens the 2018 season at Hancock Stadium Saturday, Sept. 1, against Saint Xavier at 6:30 p.m. That game will be Reggie's Kids Club night and features discounted tickets for members and family, a mini football giveaway for RKC members and halftime fireworks presented by BOPI. To purchase tickets for the season opener, season tickets or partial season plans, call the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000 or order online at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.¬¬¬¬
