Illinois State Redbirds quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Illinois State pulls off wild road shock, topples previously unbeaten Bison in playoffs

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 6:26 PM ET

With conference championships taking centerstage on Saturday, it was very easy to overlook the second round of the FCS playoffs.

There was, though, a shocking upset that involved the reigning FCS national champions, and it ended their chances at a title defense.

Illinois State shocks the world

The Illinois State Redbirds headed into Saturday as 22.5-point underdogs against the North Dakota State Bison. The Bison were undefeated and had already knocked off the Redbirds 33-16 earlier in the season.

None of that seemed to matter on Saturday, as Illinois State pulled off the shocking upset with a 29-28 win. NDSU led by 14 points with under three minutes remaining before allowing 15 unanswered points to end the game.

REDBIRDS WITH A 2PT CONVERSION

ESPN+#ValleyFootball x #FCS x @RedbirdFB x @NCAA_FCS pic.twitter.com/llBWjZmnVm
— Valley Football (@ValleyFootball) December 6, 2025

Wild statistics from the game

In order to pull off the upset, Illinois State had to overcome a season-high five interceptions from quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse.

Despite those five interceptions, the Redbirds finished the game with more first downs (23 vs. 6), total yards (422 vs. 179), time of possession (42:01 vs. 17:59) and, most importantly, points scored.

For the Bison, it is their first home playoff loss since the 2016 season and will be the first time they haven't advanced to the FCS quarterfinals since the 2009 season.

Who becomes the favorite?

With the No. 1 seed going down, the No. 2 seed is the Montana State Bobcats. The Bobcats have never won an FCS championship, and barring any further upsets, they could be matched up against their bitter rivals, the No. 3 seed Montana Grizzlies in the FCS Championship Game.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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