Freshman DL Josh Crandall is making an early-impact splash for Illinois State
In the 2026 season, Josh Crandall has already registered 2 tackles and 1 sack for the 3-0 Redbirds, a nice early return for a freshman defensive lineman at 6-4 and 285 pounds[2][3]. The Ohio/Illinois-homegrown lineman brings true point-of-attack mass, freshman upside, and a résumé that points to discipline and competitiveness—he was a three-year starter in high school, a team captain, and a first-team all-conference defender[9]. If a team wants a young interior defender with size, early production, and room to grow into a difference-maker, Crandall is absolutely a name worth caring about[2][9].
