McLean County Times

Illinois State University’s football team concluded its fall camp with the annual Red-White Scrimmage at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois. The event brought together new students, families, and friends to watch the Redbirds as they wrapped up preseason preparations.

The scrimmage included a variety of scenarios such as full-field drives, overtime periods, goal line situations, and a two-minute drill. Head Coach Brock Spack announced the 2025 team captains: Tommy Rittenhouse for offense, Tye Niekamp for defense, and Dylan Calabrese for special teams. After the practice session, the Big Red Marching Machine performed on the field before students gathered for a group photo.

During the scrimmage, Rittenhouse led an 11-play drive resulting in a 29-yard touchdown pass to Javon Charles. In overtime play, he also connected with Scotty Presson Jr. for a 12-yard score. The second-team unit overcame a holding penalty when Beckham Pellant completed a 37-yard pass to Stevan Gravic; Matt Lawson finished that drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown.

Kicker Michael Cosentino added points with a 39-yard field goal during overtime and later hit from 25 yards in the goal line session. Matt Maldonado contributed successful kicks from both 31 and 42 yards out.

Freshman quarterback Chase Kwiatkowski threw the longest touchdown of the day—a 66-yarder to Travis Stamm—to close out scoring.

Rittenhouse finished as passing leader (7-for-9, 70 yards, two touchdowns), while Pellant and Kwiatkowski also contributed through the air. On the ground, Wenkers Wright led rushers with three carries for twenty yards; Lawson scored once on four carries.

Among receivers, Presson Jr., Ian Willis, Wright, Charles (one catch for twenty-nine yards and one touchdown), and Stamm (one catch for sixty-six yards and one touchdown) stood out.

Defensively, Dexter Niekamp recorded three tackles along with one sack and one tackle-for-loss (TFL). Jack Oliver matched him in tackles while adding his own sack; Chris Taylor had two pass breakups among his three stops. Anthony Corona intercepted one pass.

Looking ahead, Illinois State will hold a brief Sunday practice before freshmen and transfers participate in ISU’s Walk of Champions ceremony during Welcome Week. Classes begin Monday; football practice resumes Tuesday morning at Hancock Stadium.

For further updates on Illinois State football—including tickets and multimedia—fans can visit GoRedbirds.com or follow official social media channels.