Five Under-the-Radar FCS Teams to Watch in 2024
Which teams could surprise folks this year?
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Five Under-the-Radar FCS Teams to Watch in 2024
Which teams could surprise folks this year?2. Illinois State
The Redbirds don’t often get a lot love simply because of where they play and who they play against. The Missouri Valley had six teams qualify for the postseason last fall and yet, Illinois State was still right in the mix and actually had a similar conference record to SIU who made the cut. ISU is close and just needs a few more pieces to push them over the finish line.
Those pieces seem to have come via the portal and, specifically, on the offensive side of the ball. The Redbirds beefed up their O line with the additions of lineman Brandon Smith (Western Michigan) and JJ Guedet (Minnesota). Former Western Michigan tight end Mitch Bartol has also joined the fray as has ex-Kansas State playmakers in QB Jake Rubley and receiver Xavier Loyd. This extra attention to offense is just what Illinois State needed, especially after losing last year’s quarterback Zack Annexstad and top rusher Mason Blakemore.
The other good news for ISU is that they retain several familiar faces. The team’s best receiver, Daniel Sobkowicz, is entering his junior season and is looking to improve on a 933-yard, 10-touchdown showing in 2023. DB Mark Cannon Jr. is also back after leading the team with three picks. It might just be the right mix of new and old for the Redbirds this year as they look to break through the playoff bubble.
