Prairie State Pigskin
@pspigskin.bsky.social
Your one-stop shop for coverage of the four Illinois FCS programs — EIU, ISU, SIU & WIU. https://prairiestatepigskin.com
Western Illinois added 13 players this week during the February signing period, including 10 from Illinois high schools. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/02/07/f...
February signing period 2016: Western leans on in-state connections for new additions
Among the 13 new additions to the Western Illinois program this week, 10 players are from Illinois high schools.
prairiestatepigskin.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Western Illinois added 13 players this week during the February signing period, including 10 from Illinois high schools. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/02/07/f...
How does Illinois State follow up its memorable run to the national championship game? We examine five key questions facing the Redbirds in 2026. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/29/f...
Five burning questions for 2026: Illinois State Redbirds
How does Illinois State follow up its thrilling run to the 2025 national championship game? We examine five key questions facing the Redbirds.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:08 AM
How does Illinois State follow up its memorable run to the national championship game? We examine five key questions facing the Redbirds in 2026. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/29/f...
Our final @PSPigskin season recap capsule focuses today on the Illinois State Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/28/s...
Season recap capsule 2025: Illinois State Redbirds
Illinois State made its second FCS national championship game appearance under head coach Brock Spack.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Our final @PSPigskin season recap capsule focuses today on the Illinois State Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/28/s...
Growing up around the Michigan State program helped shape Jeremiah Salem’s love of football. The transfer QB is one of 32 new players this spring at Eastern Illinois. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/27/l...
Lessons from East Lansing: New Eastern Illinois QB grew up with 1st-hand look at Spartans
Eastern Illinois transfer QB Jeremiah Salem learned valuable lessons growing up from players his father, Brad, coached at Michigan State.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Growing up around the Michigan State program helped shape Jeremiah Salem’s love of football. The transfer QB is one of 32 new players this spring at Eastern Illinois. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/27/l...
“Explosive” Illinois State offense a draw for mid-year transfer TE Alex Herrera, who played the past 2 seasons at Eastern Illinois. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/21/w...
Well-traveled transfer TE Herrera ready to settle into ‘explosive’ Illinois State offense
Former Eastern Illinois tight end Alex Herrera has joined the Illinois State roster after a career year last season for the Panthers. He is one of five mid-year additions for ISU.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM
“Explosive” Illinois State offense a draw for mid-year transfer TE Alex Herrera, who played the past 2 seasons at Eastern Illinois. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/21/w...
Today, Prairie State Pigskin looks back on Western Illinois and its 2025 season. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/15/s...
Season recap capsule ‘25: Western Illinois Leathernecks
Second-year head coach Joe Davis’ Leathernecks won three of their final four games.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Today, Prairie State Pigskin looks back on Western Illinois and its 2025 season. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/15/s...
ICYMI: @SIU_Football QB D.J. Williams returning to Carbondale gives the Salukis’ offense a boost, and could mean free babysitting for SIU coach Nick Hill. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/10/q...
QB’s return to Southern Illinois sparks joy for his biggest fans — Coach Nick Hill’s kids
SIU quarterback D.J. Williams’ decision to return to the Salukis sparked joy among some of his biggest fans — Coach Nick HIll’s children.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:30 PM
ICYMI: @SIU_Football QB D.J. Williams returning to Carbondale gives the Salukis’ offense a boost, and could mean free babysitting for SIU coach Nick Hill. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/10/q...
Today also begins our 5 burning questions series, which begins with Eastern Illinois and explores reviving the offense and a run a of special teams success. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/09/f...
Five burning questions for 2026: Eastern Illinois Panthers
How to create more offensive output is one of five burning questions for Eastern Illinois heading into 2026.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Today also begins our 5 burning questions series, which begins with Eastern Illinois and explores reviving the offense and a run a of special teams success. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/09/f...
Our season recap series starts today with the Eastern Illinois Panthers. We look back on the ups and downs of 2025. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/09/s...
Season recap capsule 2025: Eastern Illinois Panthers
A promising start to its conference season was obliterated by a seven-game losing streak that looms over the Eastern Illinois offseason.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Our season recap series starts today with the Eastern Illinois Panthers. We look back on the ups and downs of 2025. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/09/s...
Montana State coach Brent Vigen left Monday’s celebration to talk to ISU QB Tommy Rittenhouse. “You appreciate guys who compete and do everything they can for their team. I caught him and I wanted to tell him that.” prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/07/i...
Illinois State’s Rittenhouse draws praise, even amid national title celebration
As his victorious Montana State team celebrated the national title Monday, head coach Brent Vigen sought out ISU quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:28 AM
Montana State coach Brent Vigen left Monday’s celebration to talk to ISU QB Tommy Rittenhouse. “You appreciate guys who compete and do everything they can for their team. I caught him and I wanted to tell him that.” prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/07/i...
Illinois State, despite valiant rally, falls “one more play” short of FCS national title game victory. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/06/r...
Redbird rewind: Illinois State falls ‘one more play’ short in FCS title game heartbreaker to Montana State
Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse threw four touchdown passes Monday night in the Redbirds’ 35-34 national championship game loss to Montana State.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Illinois State, despite valiant rally, falls “one more play” short of FCS national title game victory. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/06/r...
It’s National Championship Gameday in Nashville!
Kickoff is at 6:30 pm between the Illinois State Redbirds and Montana State Bobcats.
Here’s our preview story of the big game. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/05/o...
Kickoff is at 6:30 pm between the Illinois State Redbirds and Montana State Bobcats.
Here’s our preview story of the big game. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/05/o...
Veteran head coaches seek 1st national title as unseeded Illinois State faces favored Montana State in Nashville
Making its second appearance in the FCS national championship game, unseeded Illinois State takes on No. 2 seed Montana State Monday night in Nashville.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:13 PM
It’s National Championship Gameday in Nashville!
Kickoff is at 6:30 pm between the Illinois State Redbirds and Montana State Bobcats.
Here’s our preview story of the big game. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/05/o...
Kickoff is at 6:30 pm between the Illinois State Redbirds and Montana State Bobcats.
Here’s our preview story of the big game. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/05/o...
Illinois State legend Mike Prior will trade his Indianapolis Colts blue for ISU red Monday while watching the national championship. Read the reactions of Prior and other former Redbirds to the ISU playoff run. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/04/f...
Former Redbird standouts thrilled over ISU’s national championship berth
Though they may be scattered away from their glory days performing on the Hancock Stadium turf, former Illinois State football greats are in tune with the Redbirds’ run to the FCS national champion…
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 4, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Illinois State legend Mike Prior will trade his Indianapolis Colts blue for ISU red Monday while watching the national championship. Read the reactions of Prior and other former Redbirds to the ISU playoff run. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/04/f...
Dylan Lord’s season ended last fall after a serious ankle injury. This season, he’s become a trusty option in the Illinois State offense. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/03/l...
January 3, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Dylan Lord’s season ended last fall after a serious ankle injury. This season, he’s become a trusty option in the Illinois State offense. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/03/l...
Watching Illinois State on film this week is all too familiar for Montana State TE coach Jordan Walsh, who grew up in suburban Chicago and has played and coached against the Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/02/m...
Montana State TE coach Walsh will be facing familiar foe in Illinois State
Montana State TEs coach Jordan Walsh played against Illinois State in his career at Iowa and coached against ISU during his time at Eastern Illinois.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 2, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Watching Illinois State on film this week is all too familiar for Montana State TE coach Jordan Walsh, who grew up in suburban Chicago and has played and coached against the Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/02/m...
Speed dating. A mad scramble. Musical chairs. The Wild West. Call it what you will, but the new-look transfer portal kicks off today (for better or worse). prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/02/s...
Sped-up transfer portal certain to open with a flurry of activity for Illinois FCS teams
Speed dating. Musical chairs. The Wild West. Whatever description you prefer, today (Jan. 2) marks a drastic change in the Division I football transfer portal window.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Speed dating. A mad scramble. Musical chairs. The Wild West. Call it what you will, but the new-look transfer portal kicks off today (for better or worse). prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/02/s...
A driven QB plus a “demanding” offensive coordinator have fueled Illinois State’s offense to new heights. Check out our story on the relationship between QB Tommy Rittenhouse and OC Tony Petersen. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/01/q...
Quarterback-coordinator relationship has put Illinois State offense in high gear
The relationship between Illinois State QB Tommy Rittenhouse and offensive coordinator/QB coach Tony Petersen has been a driving force in ISU’s success.
prairiestatepigskin.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:44 PM
A driven QB plus a “demanding” offensive coordinator have fueled Illinois State’s offense to new heights. Check out our story on the relationship between QB Tommy Rittenhouse and OC Tony Petersen. prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/01/01/q...
Illinois State special teams standout Ben Cooper is drawing plenty of attention from opponents this season. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/31/s...
Special teams standout Cooper drawing plenty of attention from ISU opponents
Illinois State linebacker Ben Cooper has made a big impact on special teams this fall. Opposing teams have taken notice.
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Illinois State special teams standout Ben Cooper is drawing plenty of attention from opponents this season. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/31/s...
During Illinois State’s run to the FCS championship game, two key players recovering from injury have offered plenty of support. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/30/s...
Sideline support: Injured standouts contribute to Redbird playoff run
Unseeded Illinois State’s unprecedented run to the FCS national championship game is even more remarkable in that the Redbirds have done it without two key offensive standouts.
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 30, 2025 at 11:42 AM
During Illinois State’s run to the FCS championship game, two key players recovering from injury have offered plenty of support. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/30/s...
Over a two-year span at Western Illinois, Garret Steffen and Seth Glatz’s team went 0-22. On Jan. 5, the duo will play for a national title with Illinois State. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/29/i...
Western Illinois transfers go from 0-22 in Macomb to national title game as key Illinois State contributors
Defensive lineman Garret Steffen and running back Seth Glatz have put the memories of the longest FCS losing streak behind them as Illinois State prepares for its Jan. 5 national championship match…
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Over a two-year span at Western Illinois, Garret Steffen and Seth Glatz’s team went 0-22. On Jan. 5, the duo will play for a national title with Illinois State. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/29/i...
Which Illinois State RB has rushed for more than 500 yards just in the playoffs? How many Montana State players have forced a fumble this season? We broke down the FCS finalists by the numbers. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/28/b...
By the numbers: Illinois State, Montana State add up to worthy title game teams
Prairie State Pigskin examines key numbers ahead of the Jan. 5 FCS national title game between Illinois State and Montana State.
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Which Illinois State RB has rushed for more than 500 yards just in the playoffs? How many Montana State players have forced a fumble this season? We broke down the FCS finalists by the numbers. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/28/b...
Coach Brock Spack’s 2014 stories provide plenty of motivation for today’s Illinois State players. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/27/t...
Tales from 2014: Current Redbirds find plenty of motivation in Spack’s stories
Illinois State coach Brock Spack’s stories about the 2014 national finalist team have struck a chord with his current team.
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 27, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Coach Brock Spack’s 2014 stories provide plenty of motivation for today’s Illinois State players. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/27/t...
Illinois State’s 2-year-old Indoor Practice Facility has shut out winter’s chill, provided more productive prep time for the Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/26/w...
What weather? Illinois State’s indoor facility blocks out winter chill during playoff run
Illinois State’s 2-year-old Indoor Practice Facility has provided relief from winter weather conditions during the team’s current playoff run.
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Illinois State’s 2-year-old Indoor Practice Facility has shut out winter’s chill, provided more productive prep time for the Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/26/w...
Working seven days a week and traveling to multiple time zones, the Illinois State equipment crew is enjoying the busy playoff ride. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/25/i...
Illinois State equipment crew carrying heavy load while logging big miles, long hours
Equipment manager Nick Watson has spent 17 years at Illinois State University, the same as head coach Brock Spack. Both continue to prepare for the Jan. 5 FCS national championship game in Nashvill…
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 25, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Working seven days a week and traveling to multiple time zones, the Illinois State equipment crew is enjoying the busy playoff ride. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/25/i...
“It means everything.”
Making a deep playoff run and having one more game together offers special meaning for Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/24/i...
Making a deep playoff run and having one more game together offers special meaning for Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/24/i...
‘It means everything’: Playoff run provides memories galore for Illinois State players
For Illinois State players, being together week after week during the run to the FCS championship game “means everything.”
prairiestatepigskin.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:58 PM
“It means everything.”
Making a deep playoff run and having one more game together offers special meaning for Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/24/i...
Making a deep playoff run and having one more game together offers special meaning for Redbirds. prairiestatepigskin.com/2025/12/24/i...