In the next six seasons, the Illinois State football team is set to compete against formidable Football Bowl Subdivision teams, predominantly from the prestigious Power Four conferences. Among these matchups, five will feature opponents from the Big Ten Conference. Coach Brock Spack expressed excitement about these encounters, highlighting the quality of competition when facing Big Ten rivals like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Northwestern. The schedule includes a mix of first-time meetings and renewed rivalries with significant historical context.
The Redbirds will travel to Norman, Oklahoma, in 2025 for their debut match against an SEC opponent. A clash with Northern Illinois University awaits in 2026, followed by contests against Mizzou in 2027, Illinois in 2028, Wisconsin in 2029, and Northwestern in 2030. These games promise thrilling encounters as ISU aims to build its legacy through challenging matchups.
Exciting Debuts and Renewed Rivalries
Illinois State football is preparing for a series of matches that mark both new beginnings and revisited rivalries. The upcoming fixtures showcase the team’s readiness to face top-tier programs, including a groundbreaking encounter with an SEC team in 2025 and a long-standing rivalry with Northern Illinois in 2026. Each game presents unique opportunities for growth and development on a national stage.
First up is the highly anticipated matchup against an SEC powerhouse in 2025. This marks not only ISU's inaugural meeting with this particular program but also its first engagement with any SEC member. Transitioning to 2026, the Redbirds are set to renew their competitive history with Northern Illinois. Despite being evenly matched historically, NIU has dominated recent encounters, presenting a challenge that could define ISU’s resurgence. As the Huskies prepare to join the Mountain West Conference, this game carries additional significance as it reflects evolving dynamics within college football.
Battling Big Ten Titans
From 2027 onwards, Illinois State faces a gauntlet of tests against some of the most storied programs in the Big Ten Conference. Matches against Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Northwestern highlight the team’s ambition to establish itself among the elite. Each contest offers invaluable experience and insight into competing at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
In 2027, ISU ventures into Columbia, Missouri, to confront Mizzou. Although previous encounters have favored Missouri, this rematch provides an opportunity for the Redbirds to rewrite history. Moving forward to 2028, the intrastate rivalry heats up once more as ISU meets Illinois. Historical records show dominance by the Fighting Illini, yet each game represents another chance for ISU to assert itself. The 2029 showdown with Wisconsin adds further intrigue, given the Badgers’ commanding victory in their sole prior meeting. Finally, in 2030, ISU travels to Evanston for a duel with Northwestern, where past results suggest a competitive yet unpredictable encounter. These engagements collectively underscore the Redbirds' determination to rise through the ranks despite daunting opposition.