Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Marrero returns to Saluki Football for 2026
08/15/2026 | 3:46:00 | Football, General
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Tae Marrero Jr. is returning to the Southern Illinois University football team for the 2026 season.
Granted a fifth year of eligibility after a U.S. district court ruling earlier this month, Marrero will wear No. 10 this season. The 5-foot-10, 187-pound senior was one of the top punt returners in the Missouri Valley Football Conference last season. He also tied for fifth on the team with 15 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown in 11 games.
Marrero was third in the MVFC in punt return yards and third in punt return average (17 yppr.) The Louisville native was one of three players to return a punt for a touchdown in 2025. Marrero took one back 81 yards against Northern Iowa on Oct. 25. He finished the season with 10 returns for 170 yards.
His lone touchdown catch came against North Dakota Oct. 18.
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