Preseason Outlook
The Missouri Valley Football Conference released its preseason poll on Tuesday, positioning the Southern Illinois Salukis sixth among the ten league teams. The poll reflects a modest vote of confidence, as the Salukis earned just one first‑place ballot despite the presence of a strong returning core.
South Dakota State, the defending champions, dominated the voting, capturing 28 of the 30 first‑place votes and securing the top spot. The Salukis' sixth‑place ranking places them ahead of rivals such as North Dakota and South Dakota, setting the stage for a competitive conference slate.
Adding to the excitement, the league announced a 13‑player preseason watch list that includes a dozen Salukis. The list highlights the team's depth across both offense and defense, underscoring expectations that multiple individuals will contend for conference honors throughout the upcoming season.
Quarterback DJ Williams stands out as the most prominent name on the watch list. In addition to his inclusion on the MVFC watch list, Williams also appears on the prestigious Walter Payton Award watch list, which recognizes the nation's top collegiate offensive player. His performance last season, which earned him an eighth‑place finish in the Payton Award voting, has raised preseason expectations.
Williams will be joined on the watch list by offensive linemen Derek Harden and Blaine Halley, wide receiver Allen Middleton, and running backs Chandler Chapman and Edward Robinson. The defensive side of the ball is also well represented, with linebackers Chris Presto and Andrew Behm, defensive backs Vinny Pierre and Gavin Shepard, defensive linemen Amir Dwight and Jake Parrella, and long snapper Ryan Algrim all earning recognition.
The Salukis' 2026 schedule promises a series of high‑profile matchups. The season opens on August 27 at West Florida before the team returns home to face SEMO on September 12. Conference play begins on September 26 at Murray State, with a nationally televised showdown against Illinois State slated for October 17 during Homecoming weekend. Additional marquee games include a November 14 contest at home against South Dakota State and a November 7 road trip to Indiana State.
Beyond the on‑field action, the team's participation in the ESPN‑featured Homecoming game against Illinois State adds national visibility, potentially boosting recruiting and fan engagement. As the Salukis prepare for the rigors of the upcoming campaign, the combination of experienced leadership, a strong watch list presence, and a challenging schedule positions them as a contender for a deep playoff run.