DJ Williams reacts to Payton Award finalist honor

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Before the 2025 season began, Southern Illinois 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.

“All glory to God, as always,” said Williams, whose game-day attire includes a wristband above his throwing hand with the inscription, Phil. 4:13. “As I said at the beginning of the year, this was a goal of mine — to be a Walter Payton finalist — and it's just a blessing to be recognized.”

With Williams at the helm, Southern’s offense was among the best in the nation, averaging more than 36 points and nearly 450 yards per game — the highest output at SIU since 2007.

“There’s so many people that go into this,” Williams said. “I played behind a great offensive line, with a great group of receivers, and I can’t thank my teammates and the coaching staff enough for allowing me to be myself this year and play the game that I love.”

Williams transferred to SIU two years ago after playing his first three seasons at Murray State. He played in three games in 2024 before a hand injury ended his season, but his performances against opponents such as BYU were eye-opening.

“Being a Saluki changed the trajectory of my career,” he said. “I’m truly grateful to Nick Hill and the entire coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to take over and lead his team. It's been everything I ever envisioned.”

Notably, Williams played banged-up for much of this season, after an undisclosed injury at SEMO in Week 4, a game in which he recorded 493 yards of total offense and won national Player of the Week honors.

The Salukis’ only losses on the season were at Purdue and to four conference teams that all finished the season ranked in the Top 20. SIU was ranked every week during the regular season and finished at No. 23, but was not invited to the 24-team FCS Playoffs.

“Not making the playoffs was very hard for me, but man, we did some amazing things this year, breaking a lot of records, being top 25 in the nation,” Williams said. “It’s been special and I just can't thank God enough for blessing me to be in this position.”

Due to his injury in 2024, Williams will have one more year of college eligibility. He has stated a strong desire to return to SIU and plans to navigate the portal process with Hill's assistance.

The highest Payton Award finish by a Saluki was third place by Deji Karim in 2009. The 2025 winner will be announced in January prior to the FCS National Championship game.

SIU Payton Award Finalists

1999: Cornell Craig, WR

2004: Joel Sambursky, QB

2005: Joel Sambursky, QB

2006: Arkee Whitlock, RB

2007: Nick Hill, QB

2008: Larry Warner, RB

2009: Deji Karim, RB

2014: MyCole Pruitt, TE

2015: Mark Iannotti, QB

2025: DJ Williams, QB