The 2026 Illinois State football schedule features 12 games, including 6 home dates at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois, plus 8 Missouri Valley Football Conference matchups. The Redbirds open the season at home against St. Francis (IL) on Aug 29 and close the regular season at home against South Dakota on Nov 21. Kickoff times and TV assignments are confirmed closer to each game, and most MVFC matchups stream on ESPN+.
2026 Illinois State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs St. Francis (IL) | 6:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sep 5 | at Western Illinois | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 12 | at Northern Illinois | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 19 | vs Eastern Illinois | 2:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sep 26 | at Northern Iowa (MVFC) | 4:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 3 | vs South Dakota State (MVFC) | 6:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 17 | at Southern Illinois (MVFC) | TBA | ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU |
| Oct 24 | vs Indiana State (MVFC) | 2:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 31 | vs Murray State (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Nov 7 | at North Dakota (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Nov 14 | at Youngstown State (MVFC) | 11:00 AM | ESPN+ |
| Nov 21 | vs South Dakota (MVFC) | 12:00 PM | ESPN+ |
Times are local and subject to change. Bold entries are confirmed opponents; kickoff times and TV assignments fill in closer to each game. MVFC marks Missouri Valley Football Conference games, most of which stream on ESPN+.
More 2026 FCS Resources
- 2026 FCS Football Schedule Hub
- 2026 MVFC Football Schedule and Standings Tracker
- 2026 FCS Playoff Bracket (printable)
2026 Illinois State Football FAQ
How many home games does Illinois State have in 2026?
Illinois State has 6 home games on the 2026 schedule, all played at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois.
Who does Illinois State open the 2026 season against?
Illinois State opens the 2026 season at home against St. Francis (IL) on Aug 29.
What conference is Illinois State in for 2026?
Illinois State plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), one of the strongest leagues in the FCS, with 8 conference games on the 2026 schedule.
Can Illinois State make the 2026 FCS playoffs?
Yes. The MVFC champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and the conference regularly places multiple teams in the bracket as at-large selections.
Is there a printable Illinois State schedule?
Yes. A free printable Illinois State schedule PDF is available at the top of this page, with every 2026 opponent, date, and kickoff in one sheet.
