Illinois State has never faced an SEC team. Until 5 p.m. Saturday, of course, when the Redbirds will kick off against the Sooners on Owen Field .

Illinois State is coming off a 10-win season at the FCS level — the Redbirds’ third 10-win season in the last 10 years.

They were one of 24 teams that qualified for the 2024 FCS playoffs. It was the Redbirds’ first playoff appearance since 2019. Illinois State beat Southeast Missouri in the first round before losing in Round 2 to UC Davis.

See Full Page