PrairieStatePigskin

Welcome #FCS fans, we now have a new website that covers the four Illinois FCS programs. Check us out at PrairieStatePigskin.com

Former Illinois State All-American RB James Robinson's bid to return to pro football appears to have hit a road block. The 27-year-old Robinson, who last played in the NFL in 2023, was among the roster cuts of the UFL's Louisville Kings prior to the March 27 season opener.

Former @WIUFootball standout Michael Lawson ranks third in tackles among UFL leaders. Lawson played two seasons for the Leathernecks, earning all-conference honors both years. theufl.com/teams/columbus…

. @EIU_FB plays at home once in its first 6 games (9/12 hosting Indiana State), including trips to Murray State, FBS Minnesota, Illinois State, South Dakota State and Gardner-Webb. The Panthers play 4 of the remaining 6 games (all OVC-Big South games) at O'Brien Field.

. @SIU_Football will play 3 of its first 4 games on the road before a return to Saluki Stadium for an Oct. 3 Missouri Valley contest against Youngstown State in a matchup of Walter Payton Award candidate QBs Beau Brungard (YSU) and DJ Williams (SIU). fbschedules.com/2026-southern-…

. @WIUFootball will play 4 of its first 6 games at Hanson Field in Macomb, including hosting in-state rival Illinois State in a Sept. 5 nonconference game and the OVC-Big South opener Oct. 3 with Tennessee State. fbschedules.com/2026-western-i…

Illinois State will play its 1st 3 games against in-state foes before facing Northern Iowa Sept. 26 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener: 🏈at Western Illinois, Sept. 5 🏈at FBS Northern Illinois, Sept. 12 🏈hosts Eastern Illinois, Sept. 19 fbschedules.com/2026-illinois-…

Illinois FCS spring football game dates: 🏈April 11 ISU Redbirds 🏈April 17 SIU Salukis 🏈April 25 WIU Leathernecks 🏈April 25 EIU Panthers Prairie State Pigskin will be on hand at all four sites to provide you with coverage. Give us a follow! prairiestatepigskin.com

RB Knight ready to ‘get my feet wet again’ after broken leg derailed last season as @WIUFootball opens spring practice prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/03/24/aft…

Lone returnee LaCrue targets ‘becoming a more complete quarterback’ as @EIU_FB begins spring ball with new faces on the roster as well as the coaching staff. We've got the details. 🔽 prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/03/23/lon…

Chicago State announced the addition of four assistants to head coach Bobby Rome II’s inaugural staff. Earlier this year, Rome told Prairie State Pigskin that the Cougars will hold spring practices but no official spring game. CSU plays its first-ever schedule this fall.

Chicago State names Richard Embry as director of 🏈operations/LB coach along with Arthur Ray, Jr. as OL coach/run game coordinator under inaugural head coach Bobby Rome II (pictured). The Cougars host D2 Roosevelt University Aug. 29 in their first game in program history.

The D1 Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee approved a 1-year trial rule to modify the targeting rule. If a player is disqualified for the 1st time during the season, regardless of which half it occurs, he may participate in the next game. 🔽 ncaa.org/news/2026/3/19…

An Illinois State spokesperson said that the Redbirds are still seeking a 12th game for the 2026 football season. However, ISU may have to settle for an 11-game schedule as the calendar continues to turn. As of now, ISU has an Oct. 10 opening. fbschedules.com/2026-illinois-…

Record-setting Illinois State QB Tommy Rittenhouse has signed with the CFL’s British Columbia Lions. bclions.com/2026/03/18/lio…

Per @_LukePMartin, Southern Illinois AD Tim Leonard: "Barring any surprises, we'll be at 11 games this year, which I've gone on record as saying quite honestly, that's where FCS should be." He cites limited resources, the physical nature of the game along with the postseason.

Southern Illinois announces that head football coach Nick Hill's contract has been extended. The Salukis open spring practice Thursday under the 11th-year head coach who played quarterback at SIU in the early 2000s. siusalukis.com/news/2026/3/17…

‘Better’ version of @SIU_Football WR Middleton is back in Carbondale again, ready for strong spring prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/03/17/bet…

There may be snow on the ground, but Illinois State is in the midst of its football practice leading up to the Redbirds' annual spring game April 11 at Hancock Stadium. ICYMI, we previewed ISU's outlook two weeks ago. Read about the Redbirds. 🔽 prairiestatepigskin.com/2026/03/03/ill…

4th Annual Baylock Elite Youth Football Camp! In Honor Of Jacquice Baylock. Sign Up with the link in my bio!

The Ohio Valley Conference, which both Eastern Illinois and Western Illinois are members, has named Matt Wilson as its commissioner. Most recently, Wilson served as commissioner of the Gulf South Conference.