Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University football team concluded its spring season with its annual spring game on Saturday in Carbondale, Illinois. The game included approximately 50 plays and concluded just before storms arrived in the area.

Head coach Nick Hill expressed that the team has made notable progress in preparation for the upcoming 2025 season, with fall training camp set to begin in 100 days. "We have a good idea of the makeup of our team going into the summertime, setting the standard of who we're going to be," Hill stated. "We have a lot of guys that have played a lot of football for us that are experienced players, that are the core and the leadership on this team."

The offense will see the return of six starters, highlighted by senior quarterback DJ Williams. Williams had his last season cut short due to a hand injury sustained during a victory over a nationally ranked team. Hill noted, "I loved everything about DJ this spring. Just his presence, who he is as a person."

Defensively, the Salukis also return six starters under the guidance of new coordinator Lee Pronschinske. Hill remarked on the simplicity of defensive schemes, explaining, "When you boil it down, football schematically isn't as tough as some people want to make it. You got to fill every gap, you have to be sound, and you got to cover all of the eligible guys."

In the coming weeks, coaches will meet individually with players to clarify roles while continuing the recruitment process as the college football transfer portal remains open. Hill stated, "Now it's recruiting the spring, you're able to add some pieces, you lose a couple pieces, and when you get here in June, then you have your team."

Season-ticket holders have until June 16 to renew their seats for the new season, while season tickets for new buyers will be available starting April 28. Southern Illinois will start its season on August 30 at home against Division II team Thomas More, followed by a game at Purdue on September 6.

Hill emphasized the importance of not looking too far ahead, saying, "Every segment of the season is important, and we'll finish up the semester strong in the classroom, and they get a little break, and they'll come back, and we've got to have a great eight weeks in the summer."