Southern Illinois quarterback D.J. Williams was named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List this summer. SIU opens its season Thursday at FCS newcomer West Florida. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)
By Dan Verdun
Southern Illinois quarterback D.J. Williams will take his first step in his continued growth when the Salukis open their season Thursday night at FCS rookie West Florida.
During the offseason, Williams got feedback on what he needs to improve upon to upgrade his pro prospects.
“(I’m) trying to accomplish those things, trying to put them on film (and) allow people to see my full game and progression as a quarterback,” Williams told SIU broadcaster Luke Martin during Missouri Valley Football Conference media day.
Thus, Williams – who started his college career in 2020 at Murray State – begins his seventh collegiate season against West Florida, which moves up to Division I this year after nine seasons at the Division II level. The Argonauts, located in Pensacola, won the D-II national title in 2019.
Williams was one of 11 quarterbacks named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List. The honor recognizes the top offensive FCS player each season.
Williams, a Thornton Township graduate, passed for 2,846 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. The 6-foot-3, 218-pounder ran for a school QB record 847 yards and 18 TDs.
Williams said that last season’s 7-5 non-playoff record “left a bad taste in my mouth.”
“This is the reason I came back,” Williams said.
Kickoff: 6 p.m. TV: ESPN-Plus; Radio: Cilfm.com.
Key matchup to watch
SIU defense vs. West Florida offense
When the Salukis have been a playoff team, their defense has forced turnovers and proven to be stout at key moments. Saturday’s matchup may be the initial step toward the postseason.
“Game one creates some (situations) game plan-wise. You don’t want to be out there chasing ghosts,” SIU head coach Nick Hill said.
What’s at stake
A win would start the No. 16 Salukis on a path that marks a return to the FCS playoffs after a two-year lapse.
Quick hits
Williams has passed for 6,152 yards while rushing for 1,784 yards in his career. He enters Thursday with 41 career touchdown passes and 20 interceptions. … SIU announced it will play at FBS Western Kentucky next season. The Salukis will also face FBS Wisconsin in 2027. … Five Saluki opponents from the MVFC begin the year in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25. … SIU opens its home schedule Sept. 12 hosting regional rival Southeast Missouri. The Salukis have five games in Carbondale this fall. … Hill returns for his 11th season as SIU head coach. That places him second among MVFC leaders. Illinois State’s Brock Spack begins his 18th season in Normal.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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