By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – The Illinois State University football team was picked seventh in the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll voted on by league coaches, media, and sports information directors.
ISU offensive tackle Hunter Zambrano, safety Dillon Gearhart and wide receiver/kick returner Jalen Carr were selected as MVFC preseason second-team picks, while running back Cole Mueller, safety Keondre Jackson, defensive tackle Josh Dinga, cornerback Jeff Bowens and Carr (as a return specialist) were named honorable mention selections.
Defending FCS national champion South Dakota State was picked for the top spot in the annual preseason poll, followed by North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, North Dakota, Southern Illinois, Youngstown State, ISU, Missouri State, South Dakota, Indiana State, Murray State and Western Illinois.
The Redbirds are set to open the 2023 fall season on Saturday, Sept. 2, at home against Dayton.
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