The Illinois State University Redbird football team was recognized at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on February 25, 2026. The recognition was given by both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate after the team’s notable 2025-26 season, which saw them reach the FCS National Championship game.
During their visit, Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs, Head Coach Brock Spack, administrators, and student-athletes toured the Capitol building. They took a photograph with State Representative Sharon Chung and Speaker of the Illinois House Emanuel “Chris” Welch on the House floor. The group also met with State Senator Dave Koehler. While in attendance in the Speaker Gallery, they listened as Rep. Chung read a congratulatory message during a session of the House of Representatives. The announcement received applause from representatives across Illinois.
Head Coach Brock Spack commented on the experience: “We were honored to accept an invitation to travel to Springfield and be honored at the Capitol,” Spack stated. “It was a great experience for our student-athletes to get to experience a trip like this, see the history that resides at the Capitol and be recognized for their hard work in 2025. We can’t thank Rep. Chung, Speaker Welch, and Senator Koehler for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with us. This is the second time we have been able to make a trip like this, but it’s never lost on me how special it is to be honored by the State Legislature.”
The event marked another occasion where members of Illinois’ legislative branch acknowledged achievements by university athletic programs.
