After breakout 2025 season, safety Vinny Pierre Jr. returning to SIU for senior year

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Another key piece of the Southern Illinois defense announced he’s returning for the 2026 season, as senior safety Vinny Pierre Jr. posted on X that he’s sticking with the Salukis. Earlier, linebacker Chris Presto also announced on social media that he’s returning.

“I just believed in this program so much,” Pierre Jr. said. “I’ve been here long enough to know that we can win. I really didn't want to chase the money.”

Pierre Jr. had a breakout season for the Salukis in 2025, starting every game and leading the defense in snaps played. He racked up 71 tackles and had a pair of interceptions.

“The coaches have believed in me ever since year one, telling me how important I was gonna be to this program,” he explained. “Last year, they put me in a position to do a lot of great things, and that meant a lot to me. Being loyal to them, considering all they’ve done for me throughout the years, giving me this opportunity and this chance, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.”

Early on Monday morning, Pierre Jr. worked out in the weight room with his teammates, including All-American quarterback DJ Williams, who was the first player to announce his return.

“DJ’s a fantastic player, a great teammate, a great friend,” Pierre Jr. said. “I know that he's going to make big plays, and he expects me and the other guys to make big plays, and I just love that.”

Pierre Jr. said defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske, who is also his position coach, was another key factor in his decision to return.

“He puts everybody in the right positions to succeed,” Pierre Jr. said. “He’s a genius, but he talks very simply and to the point, as if he's a player with us. He listens to us, and that means a lot.”

Ultimately, Pierre Jr. said the culture established by head coach Nick Hill is what motivates him and others to stay.

“Loyalty matters,” Pierre Jr. said. “We talk almost every day, basically being like one of your best friends on the team. Many people don't have that type of relationship with their coaches, the culture we have.”