Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) has been predicted to finish fourth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) standings according to a preseason poll of the league's coaches and media. South Dakota State received 42 first-place votes, making it the near-unanimous favorite to win the league. North Dakota State and South Dakota were picked second and third, respectively.

The Salukis will enter the season with six returning starters on offense and four on defense from last year's team, which finished 8-5 and secured a playoff victory over Nicholls State. SIU has made three playoff appearances in the past four seasons.

With the graduation of Nic Baker, SIU’s all-time leading passer, Hunter Simmons and Murray State transfer DJ Williams will compete for the starting quarterback position in 2024.

The offensive line boasts significant experience with four returning starters and two key transfers. Veteran guard Chase Evans, who has 38 career starts, will move to center this season. Other experienced linemen include guard Jake Green (27 starts), tackle Abdou Toure (19 starts), and guard Derek Harden (19 starts). Transfers Noah Fenske from Colorado and Marcelo Mendiola from Cincinnati are expected to strengthen SIU’s offensive line further.

At skill positions, running back Shaun Lester leads with 507 career rushing yards. Jaelin Benefield along with transfers Willtrell Hartson from Ohio State and Eddie Robinson from Duquesne add depth at tailback. The top wide receiver returning is Vinson Davis III with 54 catches last season; tight end Aidan Quinn returns with 27 catches. New additions include transfer wide receivers Keontez Lewis (Wisconsin), Bradley Clark (Tennessee Tech), Nah'shawn Hezekiah (Howard), and Tae Marrero (Charleston).

Defensively, SIU faces losses on its defensive line but retains Dewey Greene, Peyton Reeves, and Devin Love from their rotation. Linebacker Colin Bohanek returns after recording 62 tackles last season alongside veterans Shane Roth and Ben Bogle. Transfer Shug Walker from Murray State joins them.

Safety Ubayd Steed leads the secondary after an impressive season with 83 tackles. Cornerbacks Jamir Conn and David Miller return along with safeties Iverson Brown, Desman Hearns, and Cejai Parson. Transfers Jeremiah McClendon from Florida International and Jeremiah Baxter from Frostburg State bolster the cornerback position.