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Several acclaimed FCS media outlets are optimistic about Southern Illinois' prospects heading into next season, with both Hero Sports and Opta Analyst ranking the Salukis at #16 in their respective Preseason Top 25s. Is SIU in a position to become a legitimate playoff threat?
2024 was a frustrating year for SIU, as the Salukis started off hot, collecting a signature win vs Incarnate Word and owning a record of 2-1, before unraveling to a 4-8 finish and struggling to stay competitive in the MVFC. On offense, the Salukis scored 22 points per contest, with 145 rushing and 235 passing yards. Defensively, SIU allowed around an average of 31 points, ranking them 89th in the FCS in scoring defense.
Despite the setbacks, SIU returns several key pieces, including two of three starting linebackers, quarterback DJ Williams, wide receiver Vinson Davis III, and two offensive tackles. However, they also lost 16 crucial contributors, most notably their entire starting defensive line and three of five starters in the secondary. To address these losses, the Salukis added 23 players via the transfer portal.
Will a healthy DJ Williams and a stabilized line help SIU reclaim its explosiveness?
The interior of SIU’s offensive line was gutted this offseason, with LG Marcelo Mendiola, C Chase Evans, and RG Jake Green all graduating. Returning to fortify the unit is Derek Harden Jr. (6-3, 330), a versatile left guard who suffered a knee injury last fall, but started 12 contests in 2023 and made 5 starts as a freshman. Jak Lindsey (6-5, 300), a redshirt freshman who appeared in two games, will compete for the center role.
Blaine Halley (6-7, 300) and Aiden Logan (6-6, 320) took a significant amount of reps last season, playing in a combined 14 contests, mostly on special teams. Halley is lengthy and has a large frame, suggesting that he could develop into a viable option at tackle. Logan is a seasoned veteran with previous starting experience – he held down the right guard spot at Butler CC. Anchoring the exterior of the offensive line will be returnees Noah Fenske (6-6, 310) and Cameron Dye (6-4, 300). Fenske started 11 games at left tackle in 2024 and has a resume that includes stints with Colorado and Iowa. Dye is also an FBS product, spending three years at Georgia State. For the Salukis, he booked starts in 7 contests on the right side.
Quarterback DJ Williams is back after missing most of last season with a throwing hand injury. In three starts, Williams completed 46 of 72 passes for 571 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, while also rushing for 242 yards and 4 scores.
At running back, Shaun Lester Jr. returns after compiling 210 rushing yards and a touchdown in 2024. His breakout with the Salukis came in 2023, a season in which he carried the ball 63 times for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jimmy Athans (159 yards, 1 TD last year) and Eddie Robinson (662 yards, 8 TDs with Duquesne) offer solid depth. Sophomore Kayleb Wagner – a three-time All-State performer – and Chandler Chapman (Mississippi Gulf Coast) rounds out a deep and talented RB room.
Wide receiver Vinson Davis III returns as the top target, with 92 catches for 1,041 yards and 5 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Jay Jones (6-4, 205) provides size and athleticism, while transfers Jackson Parker (UAlbany) and Fabian McCray (Jackson State) boast consistent production. Parker amassed 1,224 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns with the Great Danes; McCray logged 584 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2023.
Tight End Aidan Quinn looks to return to form following an injury ridden 2024. Ryan Schwendeman will boost depth, having caught 2 touchdowns last year.
Can a loaded linebacking corps blend together with new faces on the defensive line and in the secondary?
The defensive front faces a near-total rebuild. Three starters and edge rusher Dewey Greene are gone. Caden Reeves (6-3, 285) and Peyton Reeves (6-2, 315) return, combining for 43 tackles and 2 TFLs in 2024. DE Vontrell Chairse (6-3, 240), DE Jake Parrella (6-2, 252), and DT Amir Dwight (6-1, 268) were a vital part of the D-Line rotation last season..
Donnie Wingate (Lindenwood), Noah Friedt (St.Thomas), and Bernadin Fleurima Jr. (Robert Morris) bring much needed reinforcements. Friedt especially stood out, tallying 35 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble for the Tommies last year.
This group is a strength for the Salukis. Chris Presto (66 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 INT) and Shug Walker (76 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 4 PBUs) return after strong seasons. Colin Bohanek, a 2023 MVFC All-Newcomer, is back from an early season injury. Supporting depth comes from Andrew Behm, Miles Wash, and Stephen Green.
The secondary lost three starters and numerous rotational players. Safety Vinny Pierre Jr. returns with solid experience; he proved his value in 2024 by playing in all 12 games and recording 21 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 1 interception, and 1 QB hurry. He’ll compete with Johnny Schmitt and Cejai Parson, who are both poised for bigger roles.
Morehead State transfer Matthew McClelland is a major addition. He racked up the most tackles in the Pioneer League (109) in 2024 and also had 2.5 TFLs, 4 interceptions, 8 pass deflections, and 1 fumble recovery. He was an All-PFL First Team selection and started in all 12 games for the Eagles.
Cornerbacks Jeremiah McClendon and Sebastian Vargas return – they accounted for 48 tackles and 4 PBUs last year. Jagger Williams is a transferee from Utah Tech that has accumulated 103 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass deflections throughout four seasons.
Can SIU’s special teams provide the consistency and field position edge needed to swing close games?
Kicker/Punter Paul Geelen returns for his senior season. In 2024, he handled all of the team’s punting, place-kicking and kickoff duties. He had 11 punts of 50+ yards and went 10 of 15 on field goals.
Long Snapper Jace Clark will contend for a starting job with Minnesota transfer Ryan Algrim, who spent two seasons with the Gophers and did not see action.
Vinson Davis III will be the team’s primary kick and punt returner. He returned 17 kickoffs for 326 yards with a long of 40 yards last season.
Bold indicates home game
With a healthy QB1, revamped trenches, and a favorable schedule, SIU is poised to rejoin the playoff hunt. But in an unforgiving MVFC, staying healthy and finding cohesion fast will be the difference between fading in October or fighting for a playoff spot in late November.
