Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Full 2026 Football Schedule Released; Salukis Open Season at Samford on Thursday, Sept. 3
03/18/2026 | 12:40:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University has released its 2026 football schedule, featuring 11 games and three nonconference matchups, including the season opener at Samford on Thursday, Sept. 3.
It's been an exciting spring for the Salukis with announcements of a four-year contract extension for head coach Nick Hill and numerous returning players, including quarterback DJ Williams.
The Salukis host SEMO in the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 12. It will be Southern's only nonconference game at Saluki Stadium. It will also be Family Weekend at SIU.
Join the excitement and support the Dawgs at saluk.is/footballseasontickets.
Southern closes nonconference play with a Big Ten trip to Illinois on Sept. 19.
The Salukis begin Missouri Valley Football Conference action one week later at Murray State on Sept. 26, marking the second-straight season SIU will travel to Murray, Ky., for a Valley game.
Youngstown State — led by 2025 Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard — visits Carbondale on Oct. 3.
SIU will play three more games before its bye on Oct. 31. The Salukis travel to South Dakota on Oct. 10, then return home for back-to-back games against Illinois State on Oct. 17 and Northern Iowa on Oct. 24. The Illinois State matchup on Oct. 17 will take place during Homecoming Weekend.
After the bye week, SIU heads to Indiana State on Nov. 7 and hosts South Dakota State on Nov. 14.
The regular season concludes on Nov. 21 at North Dakota.
Game times will be announced at a later date.
See the Dawgs Early
If you can't wait until fall to see Saluki Football firsthand, there will be multiple opportunities in April. The program will host three free events this spring in three different locations.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Football, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiFootball and on Instagram at @SIU_Football. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
It's been an exciting spring for the Salukis with announcements of a four-year contract extension for head coach Nick Hill and numerous returning players, including quarterback DJ Williams.
The Salukis host SEMO in the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 12. It will be Southern's only nonconference game at Saluki Stadium. It will also be Family Weekend at SIU.
Join the excitement and support the Dawgs at saluk.is/footballseasontickets.
Southern closes nonconference play with a Big Ten trip to Illinois on Sept. 19.
The Salukis begin Missouri Valley Football Conference action one week later at Murray State on Sept. 26, marking the second-straight season SIU will travel to Murray, Ky., for a Valley game.
Youngstown State — led by 2025 Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard — visits Carbondale on Oct. 3.
SIU will play three more games before its bye on Oct. 31. The Salukis travel to South Dakota on Oct. 10, then return home for back-to-back games against Illinois State on Oct. 17 and Northern Iowa on Oct. 24. The Illinois State matchup on Oct. 17 will take place during Homecoming Weekend.
After the bye week, SIU heads to Indiana State on Nov. 7 and hosts South Dakota State on Nov. 14.
The regular season concludes on Nov. 21 at North Dakota.
Game times will be announced at a later date.
See the Dawgs Early
If you can't wait until fall to see Saluki Football firsthand, there will be multiple opportunities in April. The program will host three free events this spring in three different locations.
- Friday, April 3: Spring practice at Van Metre Field in Du Quoin, 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, April 10: Spring practice at Wildcat Stadium in Marion, 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, April 17: Official Spring Game at Saluki Stadium, 5-7 p.m.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Football, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiFootball and on Instagram at @SIU_Football. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballSaluki Football Season Tickets: DJ Williams
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