Patrick Bauer brings disruption, not just tackles, for Illinois State
In the 2025 season, Bauer was a key piece of Illinois State’s FCS championship-game run, finishing third on the team with **8.5 tackles for loss** and adding **five pass breakups**, which points to a linebacker who can affect plays in both the run game and coverage. He also showed up in the biggest moments, including a **seven-tackle opener at Oklahoma** and PBUs in both the semifinal and title game. That mix of production, versatility, and big-stage poise makes him a strong fit for a defense that values active, assignment-sound linebackers.
