2024 Season Recap
Indiana State finished 2024 with an overall record of 4-8 and a conference mark of 3-5. The Sycamores picked up wins vs Dayton (6-5), Murray State (1-11), Southern Illinois (4-8), and North Dakota (5-7). They suffered four one-score defeats and were overmatched against Purdue, Missouri State, and South Dakota. On offense, ISU scored 20.17 points per game, ranking 98th nationally. They rushed for an average of 149.9 yards (62nd) and passed for 147.33 yards (111th). Defensively, the Sycamores allowed 31.58 points per contest, which placed them 96th in the FCS. ISU gave up 170.6 rushing yards (86th) and 249 passing yards (106th).
Offseason Storylines
The Sycamores hit the portal hard this offseason, bringing in several instant impact players to mesh with pivotal returnees. NEC Defensive Player of the Year Kimal Clark (DB) comes in from Central Connecticut State, where he recorded 117 total tackles, 3 TFLs, and 3 PBUs in 2024.
Tyson Miller (6-5, 290) started six games at left guard for SEMO in 2023 and competed in two contests last fall. Wide Receiver Larry Stephens (Toledo) posted impressive numbers as a sophomore, hauling in 22 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
Other notable additions include DL Jayden Childers (Western Michigan), OL Andrew Page (Kent State), and DB Trent Baker-Booker (Virginia).
Coaching Analysis
Curt Mallory conducted a remarkable turnaround in 2018, guiding the Sycamores to a record of 7-4 and a third place finish in the MVFC. As a result of the team’s success, Mallory was tabbed Coach of the Year by Phil Steele and was named a finalist for the STATS FCS Eddie Robinson award. The following season was marred by frustration, as Indiana State went 5-7 and lost numerous vital players to injury. The 2020 campaign was canceled due to COVID, and 2021 resulted in another sub-.500 season. For Mallory, it is a matter of finding consistency in a rugged conference. He has proven he can lead in Terre Haute, but if he doesn’t produce results soon, his seat could warm quickly.
2025 Outlook
Indiana State returns key pieces at every position offensively and six crucial contributors on the defensive side of the ball. Quarterback Elijah Owens had an outstanding redshirt freshman season, going 181-of-263 for 1,717 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 645 yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Owens’ No. 1 option is back in Rashad Rochelle, who registered 527 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 58 catches. Plez Lawrence adds versatility at the running back position, having accumulated 410 rushing yards and 218 receiving yards last season.
DB Jorge Valdes (2 INTs, 6 PBUs) and DE Braxton Sampson (30 tackles, 4.5 TFLs) will stabilize the defense.
2025 Schedule
Bold indicates home game
- 8/28 - McKendree
- 9/6 - Eastern Illinois
- 9/12 - Indiana
- 9/20 - Montana
- 10/4 - Southern Illinois
- 10/11 - South Dakota
- 10/18 - North Dakota State
- 10/25 - North Dakota
- 11/1 - South Dakota State
- 11/8 - Illinois State
- 11/15 - Youngstown State
- 11/22 - Murray State
Schedule Breakdown
With Massey projecting Indiana State to face the 10th toughest schedule in the FCS, it is important that the Sycamores start strong. McKendree and Eastern Illinois should both be wins, and Montana presents a potential spoiler opportunity. South Dakota, North Dakota, Illinois State, and Youngstown are all winnable games. A clear darkhorse candidate – I expect five to six wins if things break right.
My Take
I was initially low on this team, but they have grown on me over time. Owens is an absolute gamer at QB, and both Lawrence and Rochelle are legitimate playmakers. On defense, CCSU transfer Kimal Clark has such a high ceiling, it wouldn’t surprise me if he breaks out. A more balanced roster could make all the difference this year. The Sycamores could very well ruin someone’s season, and maybe steal a playoff bid in the process.
