SIU running back Ed Robinson excited to return to Carbondale for the 2026 season

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Ed Robinson, one of the most explosive running backs in the FCS, said he will return to Southern Illinois for the 2026 season.

In fact, the Cleveland, Ohio-native said he never considered entering the transfer portal, citing the support he’s received not just from the coaching staff, but also from the academic-support staff in Saluki Athletics.

“I had a lot of time to self-reflect,” Robinson said. “I feel like I'm in a great spot. I came here to play football, but you also come here to get your degree and to make relationships and memories.”

Robinson just completed his best semester in the classroom, and he credited support-staffers Alexis Dodd and Cailey Edwards for their work with himself and the team.

“I never thought I would become as close as I am with the people in academics,” Robinson said. “Alexis, Cailey — everybody over there really keeps this team running like a well-oiled machine. They don't let us fall off, but they're not overly harsh on us. It’s a genuine friendship outside of academics, as well.”

Robinson led the MVFC with 7.20 yards per carry

On the field, Robinson led the Missouri Valley Football Conference with 7.20 yards per carry — which was the second-highest mark in school history, behind only Carver Shannon’s 8.22 average, back in 1957. He describes his game as a hybrid of Le’Veon Bell and Saquon Barkley.

“I feel like the patience that I have, that's the Le’Veon in me, and I think the elusiveness, the explosiveness, is a bit of Saquon,” he said.

After sitting out a season, it took Robinson a month or so of live action to hit his stride. He had just 13 carries in the first four games in 2025, before exploding for 124 yards on nine carries in Week 5 versus Indiana State.

“I’ve never been away from the game for that long, and I don't care how much you practice, game tackles feel different,” he explained. “With the coaches, there was also that unknown factor of not seeing me live, wondering if I’ve still got it. Earning their trust was big for me.”

Robinson had 109 yards in Week 9 at Murray State and capped off the season with 145 yards in the win at Illinois State. Against the Redbirds, he was especially proud to serve as lead blocker for DJ Williams, helping the quarterback run for 134 yards.

“Against Illinois State, we ran a lot of QB runs, QB leads,” he explained. “I’m usually not in the game for those plays, but Coach Hill kept me in, and I just think that was a testament of him trusting me as an all-around back. Over time, I got better at recognizing the protection, picking up the right blocks to help the linemen.”

After sitting out the 2024 season, Robinson had three, 100-yard rushing games in 2025.

Listed at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Robinson plans to fine-tune his body during the off-season.

“I feel like I haven't been in my tip-top, best shape yet, whether that's because of injuries or little tweaks here and there,” he said. “I want to gain five more pounds of muscle and get a little bit faster. I want to improve my blocking. I recognize who I have to block and my technique is better, but being my size, I think it would be good for me to put on five more pounds of muscle.”

The Salukis had the 12th-highest scoring offense in the nation in 2025, averaging 36.4 points per game, and Robinson believes next year’s unit can, at a minimum, match that performance.

“I have a lot of confidence and excitement for our offense next season,” he said. “I’m confident in (Jake) Curry and DJ (Williams), you know, whoever the guy may be at quarterback. We have a couple of studs coming back on the offensive line. I feel like we’ll be just as good on offense as last year, maybe even better.”