For Southern Illinois University, the Salukis have been bringing in some good games this season so far. Creating some excitement for the team at home and keeping spirits high. With homecoming just a couple of weeks away for the university, hopes are high, and expectations are just as high.
In the first game of the season, the SIU Salukis faced the Samford Bulldogs. Two dogs against each other. The scoring was a bit of a tug-of-war situation between the two teams. By the middle of the second quarter, the Salukis were ahead 9-0, but the Bulldogs scored a touchdown that helped bring their team closer. However, by the tail end of the third quarter, the Salukis were still ahead 15-13, with freshman player Cayden Aukerman carrying the team with his touchdowns. However, the Salukis still brought home the win for SIU with a score of 22-18.
Sep 19, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The Southern Illinois Saluki mascot cheers during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
SIU has a special little rivalry against Southeast Missouri State University. The two universities have a long-standing rivalry with their teams, with the schools being so close together, and in 2018 there was a trophy that was created to be sought after between the teams, leading the two teams to go even harder. It was dubbed the "War of the Wheel", named for the trophy to be won. That trophy is an actual ship steering wheel. It references how the teams had to cross the Mississippi to face each other.
As of September 12, SIU possesses the old ship wheel. With a score of 34-20, SIU soundly beat the Redhawks , but not without resistance. For the majority of the game, the Redhawks were ahead through the third quarter. It wasn't until the fourth and final quarter that the Salukis had a come-from-behind victory by racking up the touchdowns. Thus earning the Salukis the right to keep the wheel where it belongs.
Sep 19, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Southern Illinois Saluki players take the field before a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
In contrast, the match against the University of Illinois' Fighting Illini was a resounding defeat for the Salukis, 10-48. The Salukis had only one touchdown in the first quarter and a field goal in the second. Meanwhile, the Illini had six touchdowns and two field goals. So far, this is the only loss for the Salukis this season, but there are still games scheduled through November.
This past Saturday, on the 26th of September, the Salukis faced off against the Murray State Racers. The Salukis promptly defeated the Racers with a quarterback who was previously on the opposing team. DJ Williams, the Saluki Quarterback, was once a Racer until 2024, when he transferred to SIU. On Saturday's game, though, he saw his current team beat his old team with a score of 46-6. A similar feeling to how the Hornets felt in their vicory against the Devils took hold. The Salukis got the first touchdown of the game and have been riding that high through the whole game. SIU coach Nick Hill was feeling very good about his team.
"The hidden yardage in this game was such a big thing. Our punt returns. Scoring on special teams," Hill said. "Our picks, that were getting multiple first downs on return yardage. Those are team yards. They're not going to show up in stats on offense. Those are multiple first downs. (Vargas)' return all the way down. That's an offensive play. If he falls down, we're starting at the minus-16. Now we've got a red zone opportunity. I just felt like the guys' mentality was where it needed to be."
The season may be young, but it has been a strong start for the Salukis. Three out of four games won, and the most recent with such a large point gap; it's hard to argue with that. There are still more games in the coming months, and anything can happen after homecoming. Time to see if the Salukis can keep this energy going.
The post SIU Salukis' Strong Start In The 2026 Football Season appeared first on Stadium Rant .
