Craig Bertsche

sideline reporter for Illinois State Redbird Football Radio Network. Former Sports Director & sportstalk host on AM 1230 WJBC in Bloomington, Il.

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

Getting closer to the 2026 season! Media Day for @RedbirdFB. Excited to be on the sidelines for another season helping @JohnFitzPBP & Ted Schmitz call the action for @ISU_Learfield on @WJBC. Let’s go back to Nashville!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@Pg_Reinhardt That was literally my view of that play. I almost couldn’t believe it happened!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@ChrisBrathw8 @RetroNewsNow Threw up in my mouth a little when I saw that!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@jeff_suppan @RegionalTVCat @CardTerritory So fun to watch that postseason run!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@witzigdg @LukeEpplin Halfway thru it now. Really enjoying it! Remember those Sixers teams vividly!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@eddiekasper13 Excited to see what you do at Illinois! Loved watching you develop at ISU!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@RedbirdFB sent Appalachian State to FBS with an OT win in Boone, NC in round 2 of 2012 FCS Playoffs. And did the same in Fargo in 2025. 2 of the most prominent programs in FCS history lost to the Redbirds in their final FCS game. That’s quite a legacy!

[Pete Thamel @PeteThamel]

Sources: North Dakota State has agreed to a deal to join the Mountain West in football only for 2026. The school is expected to pay nearly $12 million to join the league, which is in addition to the $5 million it will pay the NCAA to move to FBS.

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@OzarkKent So Heyworth Harry came out of his burrow on northbound 51 and didn’t see his shadow? I’ll take it!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

Still feeling the sting of disappointment this morning but am so proud of @RedbirdFB,
Both as an ISU alum and as a member of the @ISU_Learfield broadcast team. What an outstanding game, and @JohnFitzPBP & Ted Schmitz were on top of their game last night. Thanks for a lot of fun!

[Illinois State Football @RedbirdFB]

The Redbird Recap presented by Toyota.

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

The time for talk is nearing an end. Unseeded @RedbirdFB battles 2nd seeded Montana State for the FCS national championship. We’ll see if the postseason magic continues. @JohnFitzPBP Ted Schmitz & I have the call at 5:30 on @WJBC @ISU_Learfield & the Varsity app. Join us!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

What a game! @RedbirdFB rolls past 12th seeded Villanova 30-14 in the FCS semifinals. The Redbirds advance to the FCS title game to face 2nd seeded Montana State on January 5 in Nashville. What a Redbird run! How ‘bout those Redbirds!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

Unseeded @RedbirdFB makes its 3rd FCS semifinal appearance tonight. The Redbirds visit 12th seed Villanova for the right to play in the FCS title game Jan. 5. @JohnFitzPBP Ted Schmitz & I have the call at 5:30 CT on @WJBC, @ISU_Learfield & the Varsity app. Join us!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

Enjoyed talking with @OSGNelson about tonight’s matchup!

[#CuteSportsGuy @OSGNelson]

ICYMI

A quick look at @JCUFootball @FerrisFootball and @RedbirdFB before they all hit the field later today in @NCAA_FCS @NCAADII and @NCAADIII

#d2fb #d3fb

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@RedbirdFB getting ready to fly to Philly for tomorrow’s FCS semifinal clash with Villanova. This is the 3rd semifinal appearance for ISU. @JohnFitzPBP Ted Schmitz & I have the call at 5:30 on @WJBC @ISU_Learfield & the Varsity app. Go Birds!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@shadweljr Way to go!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@OzarkKent So you’re saying there’s a chance? LOL

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

Unseeded @RedbirdFB notches a 42-31 win at UC Davis in the FCS quarterfinals for their 8th straight road win. The Redbirds will go to Villanova for the FCS semifinals next Saturday night. The dream run continues! How ‘bout those Birds?!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

@RedbirdFB gearing up for its FCS quarterfinal matchup against 8th seeded UC Davis. The Birds are looking to avenge last season’s 42-10 loss in round 2. @JohnFitzPBP, Ted Schmitz & I have the call at 3 CT on @WBNQ, @ISU_Learfield & the varsity app. Join us!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

Go west young men! @RedbirdFB getting ready to fly to Sacramento for tomorrow’s FCS quarterfinal showdown against 8th seeded UC Davis. The Birds look to build on last weekend’s upset win at NDSU. @JohnFitzPBP, Ted Schmitz & I have the call at 3 pm CT on @WBNQ @ISU_Learfield.

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

So the third time was the charm. So happy for Brock Spack, the staff, and players. A fantastic, resilient effort today!

[Craig Bertsche @craig_bertsche]

Will the third time be the charm? North Dakota State has won the prior 2 FCS playoff meetings with @RedbirdFB by a total of 8 points. They meet in round 2 today. @JohnFitzPBP, Ted Schmitz & I have the call at 11 on @WJBC @ISU_Learfield & the Varsity app. Join us!