What Is 2016 Illinois State Redbirds football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Illinois State Redbirds football team represented Illinois State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–6 record and a loss in the first round of the FCS playoffs to Eastern Washington on November 26, 2016.

Key Facts

The 2016 Illinois State Redbirds finished the regular season with a 6–6 overall record
They were 4–4 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) during the 2016 season
Head coach Brent Brennan led the team in his first season after replacing Brock Spack
The Redbirds qualified for the FCS playoffs but lost 38–31 to Eastern Washington on November 26, 2016
Quarterback Tre Roberson threw for 1,823 yards and 14 touchdowns during the 2016 season

Overview

The 2016 Illinois State Redbirds football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). Representing Illinois State University, the team was led by first-year head coach Brent Brennan, who took over the program following the departure of long-time coach Brock Spack.

The Redbirds experienced a mixed season, finishing with a 6–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play. Despite missing a winning record, they earned an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs, marking their continued competitiveness in one of the toughest FCS conferences.

Record: The team finished the 2016 season with a 6–6 overall record, including a 4–4 performance in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Playoff appearance: Illinois State qualified for the FCS playoffs for the fourth time in five years, showcasing sustained program strength under new leadership.
Head coach: Brent Brennan served as head coach for his first season, taking over after Brock Spack left to pursue opportunities at the FBS level.
Quarterback performance: Tre Roberson started most games, passing for 1,823 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 58.3% of his throws.
Playoff result: The Redbirds were defeated 38–31 by Eastern Washington in the first round of the FCS playoffs on November 26, 2016, in Cheney, Washington.

How It Works

The 2016 season reflected both continuity and transition for the Illinois State football program, balancing experienced players with a new coaching regime and evolving offensive strategies.

Offensive system: The Redbirds utilized a spread-based attack under new offensive coordinator Nick Hill, emphasizing tempo and quarterback mobility.
Defensive scheme: The team ran a 4–2–5 base defense, focusing on aggressive pressure and secondary coverage led by coordinator Mike Faragalli.
Roster turnover: Illinois State lost several key seniors from the 2015 team, including All-American defensive end Kyle Emanuel.
Recruiting impact: The 2016 recruiting class included 22 signees, with several contributing immediately due to injuries and depth issues.
Home stadium: The Redbirds played home games at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois, which has a capacity of approximately 13,391.
Conference competition: The MVFC was one of the strongest FCS leagues in 2016, featuring national contenders like North Dakota State and Southern Illinois.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2016 Illinois State Redbirds compared to prior seasons and conference peers:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Head Coach
2016	6–6	4–4	Lost in First Round	Brent Brennan
2015	7–5	5–3	Lost in Quarterfinals	Brock Spack
2014	9–5	6–2	Lost in Championship	Brock Spack
2013	12–2	7–1	Lost in Semifinals	Brock Spack
2012	9–4	6–2	Lost in Second Round	Brock Spack

The 2016 season marked a slight decline in performance compared to the previous five years, which included multiple playoff runs and a national championship appearance in 2014. However, the team maintained its reputation for competitiveness in the MVFC, even amid coaching changes and roster transitions.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was significant for Illinois State as it tested the program's resilience during a coaching transition and demonstrated the challenges of maintaining success in the FCS’s toughest conference.

Program stability: Making the playoffs in 2016 proved the Redbirds could remain competitive despite losing their long-time head coach.
Player development: Quarterback Tre Roberson improved over the season, showing potential for future offensive growth under new leadership.
Recruiting momentum: The team’s continued playoff appearances helped maintain strong recruiting interest in the program.
Conference reputation: The MVFC remained a powerhouse, with multiple teams in the FCS top 10, raising the level of weekly competition.
Facility investment: Continued use of Hancock Stadium highlighted the university’s commitment to football despite FCS limitations.
Fan engagement: Average home attendance remained strong, reflecting consistent local support for Redbirds football.

While the 2016 season did not reach prior heights, it laid groundwork for future rebuilding and adaptation, underscoring the importance of continuity in collegiate football programs.