NORMAL, Ill. – It's been a busy week of postseason awards accumulation for Illinois State defensive stalwarts Keondre Jackson and Tye Niekamp, as the duo were both named FCS All-Americans by football analyst Phil Steele on Friday. In addition, Niekamp earned Second-Team honors as part of the 2024 FCS Coaches' All-America Team announced by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
The duo adds FCS All-America honors from Steele to a list that also includes All-America recognition earlier in the week from the Associated Press on Tuesday and Stats Perform on Wednesday. The All-America honors come for Jackson and Niekamp, following stellar campaigns where each earned First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.