US EditionNo. 18 Oklahoma Opens Against FCS Opponent Illinois State
Illinois State seeks to build on a 10-4 season and playoff berth, facing a tough 18th-ranked Oklahoma team with a new offensive coordinator and quarterback this season opener.
- On August 30, 2025, Illinois State Redbirds travel to Norman, Oklahoma for kickoff Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on SEC Network+ and ESPN+, with Oklahoma Sooners favored by 36.5.
- Returning to Norman after a 10-4 season, Illinois State Redbirds bring back 43 letterwinners and 12 starters from last season's playoff team, marking their first FCS playoff berth since 2019.
- Oklahoma will be shorthanded for Week 1 with defensive backs Eli Bowen and Kendel Dolby, receivers Javonnie Gibson and Jayden Gibson absent, while John Mateer, Oklahoma quarterback, brings 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns from Washington State.
- Brent Venables acknowledges he has questions about his roster but trusts John Mateer, who spent the offseason installing Ben Arbuckle's offense and prepares for his first start Saturday.
- Historically, Illinois State has struggled against FBS foes with a 6-38 all-time FBS record, while Oklahoma's 18 consecutive home openers add to the challenge for the Redbirds.
12 Articles
12 Articles
NCAAF News: John Mateer hoping to impress for No. 18 Oklahoma in debut vs. Illinois State
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has plenty of questions about his team heading into its season opener. But Venables doesn’t worry about what he’s going to get out of quarterback John Mateer, who will make his first start as a Sooner against Illinois State in Norman, Oklahoma, on Saturday. “There’s several other first-time players that you […]
Illinois State No. 6 Redbirds Set to Challenge No. 18 Oklahoma
Illinois State's football team, ranked No. 6 in the FCS preseason polls, prepares for its season opener against No. 18 Oklahoma on August 30, 2025. The Redbirds are coming off an impressive playoff run and return several key players. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two programs and a significant challenge, as the Redbirds historically struggle against FBS opponents, holding only six wins in 44 matchups. By the Numbers ISU has a …
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