Good news for the Saluki football team in the new year.
All-conference quarterback D.J. Williams has announced he will return to lead the SIU offense for his final year of eligibility in 2026, stating "I'm excited to continue to build on what I started with this team last year. Time to go win a championship now."
The record-breaking quarterback finished eighth in the Walter Payton Award voting and third in the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2025. Williams also earned All-American honors from FCS Football Central, Associated Press, and Stats Perform.
No Saluki quarterback has ever rushed for more yards in a season than Williams did this past year, tallying a program-record 847 rushing yards to go along with 18 rushing touchdowns. He also passed for 22 touchdowns, and threw five interceptions.
Williams admitted he couldn't find another program or coach that trusts and believes in him like Saluki Head Coach Nick Hill.
This will be Williams' third season at SIU after transferring from Murray State.
