ISU Football to Face Eastern Illinois in 113th Mid-America Classic
Written by Jason Zaehler on September 11, 2025
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University will travel to Charleston, Illinois this Saturday to face the 1-1 Eastern Illinois Panthers in the 113th meeting between the two programs. The Redbirds lead the all-time rivalry with 60 wins to the Panthers 43. The teams have tied 9 times in the Mid-America Classic and last year ISU beat EIU 31-7.
Following last weekend’s 41-13 win against Morehead state, kicker Matt Maldonado and offensive tackle Jake Pope were named with Missouri Valley Conference honors. Maldonado was awarded the MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week after he scored 11 of the teams 41 points, going a perfect five for five on extra points, and went perfect on his two field goals as well. Pope was graded at a 92 percent on the night and was awarded the MVFC Offensive Linemen of the Week after being credited with 11 pancake blocks.
Entering the Game against the Panthers head coach Brock Spack addressed the media in his press conference Tuesday. Spack commented on who would be the starting quarterback for Saturday’s game. Against Morehead, freshman Beckham Pellant had back-to-back turnovers after scoring just one touchdown which led to Spack putting senior Tommy Rittenhouse in. Spack would go on to say, “Tommy will be the starter for sure.”
The Redbird defense will look for another dominant performance Saturday in Charleston. In their 38-14 loss to Indiana State, EIU quarterback Connor Wolf threw for only 112 yards and the only touchdowns of the game came from Running back Charles Kellom, who rushed for 86 yards on 23 carries. Illinois State’s rushing defense has been able to limit both Oklahoma and Morehead State’s rushing attacks and hold their opponents to just 101 yards.
Another Redbird to look out for this weekend would be wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz. Sobkcowicz added 84 yards to his ISU career against Morehead State totaling up to 2,502 on his career, putting him fifth on the all-time redbird receiving yard leader board. He sits now just behind the likes of ISU legends Ricky Garrett (2,719) and now ahead of Clarence Collins (2,498).
The Redbirds and Panthers Mid-America Classic Game will kick off at 2pm from Eastern Illinois’ O’Brien Field in Charleston Illinois both looking for their second win of the 2025 FCS college football season.
For all things Redbird Football, stay tuned to wznd.com.
