The Villanova Wildcats (12-3) hosted the Illinois State Redbirds (12-4) on Saturday night from Villanova Stadium in the FCS Semi-Finals. The Wildcats struggled in this game, trailing 21-6 at halftime.
They did not score any points in the third quarter, and scored eight points in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats lost to the Redbirds 30-14. Illinois State will now take on Montana State in the FCS National Championship game on Monday, January 5, 2026, from FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. It will be the Redbirds’ first FCS title appearance since 2015. Illinois State became the first team in FCS to win four straight road games.
Villanova’s offense had 300 yards (199 yards passing, 101 yards rushing), 15 first downs, and the team was penalized six times for 46 yards. Quarterback Pat McQuaide completed 13 of 30 passes (43%) for 199 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and four carries for -7 yards.
Running back Ja’briel Mace had 11 carries for 59 yards. Wide receiver Luke Colella made four catches for 58 yards, while Antonio Johnson made three catches for 43 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Jack Barnum made two field goals with a long of 35 yards. The defense made 69 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and three pass breakups.
Illinois State’s offense had 426 yards (251 yards passing, 175 yards rushing), 26 first downs, and the team was penalized two times for 20 yards. Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse completed 18 of 38 passes (47.3%) for 251 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and eight carries for 20 yards.
Running back Victor Dawson had 34 carries for 155 yards, one rushing touchdown, and one catch for 10 yards. Wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz made seven catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
Kicker Michael Cosentino made three field goals with a long of 35 yards. The defense made 46 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, and five pass breakups.
