Relationships and winning are more important to Chris Presto than top dollar

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois linebacker Chris Presto, one of the top defenders in the FCS, could have entered the transfer portal in search of the highest offer.

Instead, he announced on Saturday that he’s returning to SIU, because the relationships he’s built within the Saluki Football program and the opportunity to win are more important to him.

“I’ve seen a lot of players fall victim to people in their ear, telling them to leave, and they make bad decisions for themselves that cost them relationships,” Presto explained. “Life ain't all about money. It's about who you know and how you know them.”

The Florida native wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school, but has developed into one of the cornerstones of Southern’s defense the last two seasons, totaling 129 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss. He’s also a premier pass defender with three career interceptions and eight breakups.

Presto has 129 career tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss

“This is really the place that gave me a home, coming out of high school with not many offers,” he said. “I knew what I was capable of, but not a lot of people did. The coaching staff at Southern knew exactly what I was capable of.”

Presto said he’s developed a close bond with position coach Mac McLeran.

“During fall camp, we had a very deep discussion in the linebacker room, which really set the floor for the season, being vulnerable with each other and open to tough conversations,” Presto recalled. “ I won't get into it too much, but some of us in that room that day were tearing up. It was good for the room.”

Earlier this week, All-American quarterback DJ Williams announced he’s returning to SIU, and Presto said that was also a factor in his decision.

“On most teams, the defensive guys aren't really close with the guys on offense, but I'd say DJ is probably my best friend on the team,” Presto said. “We talked a lot about what we were going to do. He could have went and made some money, wherever he wanted to go, but that's just not how he is. Seeing him not leave was just like, why would I do that?”

After finishing 7-5 last season and beating national runner-up Illinois State by 30 points in the final week of the season, Presto said the program is “building something special” as it heads into 2026.

“I really just want to win,” he said. “A lot of guys want to make money, this and that, but I really just want to win.”