CARBONDALE — Before the 2025 season began, Southern Illinois University quarterback DJ Williams made a list of goals that he put up on his wall. On Tuesday, he checked another one off — Payton Award finalist.

The senior quarterback and Chicago native had a record-breaking season at SIU with 40 rushing and passing touchdowns, and is the first Saluki since 2015 to make the prestigious watch list that was named after Chicago Bears legend and Jackson State alum Walter Payton.

John-Homan

See Full Page