A Milestone for Saluki Football
Southern Illinois University’s Salukis are set to welcome the Illinois State Redbirds for a historic, nationally televised contest on Saturday, October 17, as the centerpiece of the university’s Homecoming celebrations.
The game forms part of a week‑long Homecoming itinerary running from October 12 through 17, during which alumni events, parades and campus activities will converge on the football stadium.
This will be the first time since 2007 that the Salukis have appeared in a nationally broadcast college football game, a milestone that underscores the program’s growing prominence.
The 2007 broadcast featured current head coach Nick Hill and former NFL quarterback Joe Flacco, both of whom have since shaped the team’s trajectory.
Illinois State arrives after a dramatic Cinderella run that saw them fall just short in the FCS National Championship Game, losing 34‑35 to Montana State in a heart‑stopping finish.
While the exact network and kickoff time have yet to be confirmed, organizers say an announcement is slated for early October, heightening anticipation among fans and alumni.
The Salukis will also open the 2026 season on August 27 when they travel to face West Florida, setting the stage for a promising campaign.
Looking Ahead
With the spotlight of national television now on Carbondale, the Salukis hope to translate the heightened visibility into recruiting gains and on‑field success, building on a tradition that dates back to the program’s early years.