McLean County Times

Illinois State University's football team, ranked No. 18, is preparing for a key matchup against No. 21 South Dakota on October 25, 2025, at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, South Dakota. The Redbirds, with a 4-3 overall record and 1-2 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), aim to rebound after a recent home loss to Youngstown State.

Illinois State leads the all-time series against South Dakota 8-2, with their last meeting in 2022 resulting in a narrow 12-10 victory for the Redbirds. Head coach Brock Spack has guided Illinois State to six playoff appearances and became the program's all-time wins leader in 2021. Spack is currently in his 17th season with a record of 115-77.

South Dakota, led by first-year head coach Travis Johnson, holds a 5-3 overall record and is 3-1 in conference play. The Coyotes return home after two weeks on the road, most recently securing a win over Northern Iowa thanks to kicker Zeke Mata’s school-record 58-yard field goal. Running back L.J. Phillips Jr. leads Division I football in net rushing yards this season, while quarterback Aidan Bouman has recorded multiple games with over 200 passing yards and multiple touchdowns.

In their previous matchup, Illinois State relied on strong defensive performances, including key contributions from Ian Wagner, Tanner Taula, Deandre Lamont, and Kenton Wilhoit.

Senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse has set new personal records this season, becoming the first Redbird since Matt Brown in 2012 to throw five touchdown passes in a game. He is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes and ranks fourth nationally.

Wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz recently surpassed 3,000 career receiving yards, placing him third on Illinois State’s all-time list. He is also second in career receptions and tied for third in career receiving touchdowns at the university.

Several players have achieved milestones this season. Against Murray State, five different Redbirds scored touchdowns for the first time either this season or in their careers at Illinois State. Defensive back Doreon Dubose also recorded his first career interception during that game.

Illinois State’s defense continues its tradition of scoring at least one defensive touchdown each season under Spack’s leadership. Transfer defensive back Shadwel Nkuba II has made an immediate impact with four interceptions through four games and is among national leaders in that category.

Redshirt freshman Luke Mailander has stepped up as a receiver following roster changes and currently ranks second on the team in receiving yards. Running back Wenkers Wright leads the team in rushing yards and touchdowns after a standout performance against Eastern Illinois.

The Redbirds have retained the Mid-America Classic Trophy for the fourth consecutive year by defeating Eastern Illinois and have won seven of their last eight meetings against them.

Illinois State will look to maintain its strong historical performance against South Dakota as both teams compete for position within the MVFC standings.