CARBONDALE, Ill — Last year, 18-year-old Jake Curry became the first true freshman at SIU to start at quarterback in 35 years.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Not every coach is as passionate about coaching special teams as SIU’s Nathan Frame. It was one of his first areas of responsibility as a volunteer coach at Southern in 2017, fresh out of college.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — One of the early stars of SIU’s training camp has been senior wide receiver Jathen Jones. That fact may come as a surprise, since he enters the season with 10 career catches in 16 games, but the St. Louis native said he’s determined to finish strong.

DJ Williams received substantial offers to play at the FBS level, but he was determined to return to Southern to play for Nick Hill and finish the job he started in 2024.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Head coach Nick Hill called 28-year-old Lee Pronschinske a “rising star in our profession” when he promoted the team’s safeties coach to defensive coordinator last December. Pronschinske, who owns a national championship ring from his two-year stint at North Dakota State, has previous DC experience at the Division II level with Western New Mexico and Minot State. He’s a commanding presence in meetings and on the field, but has also built strong bonds with h