Southern Illinois vs Illinois Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 19th, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 09/18/2026, 09:57 PM ET

Southern Illinois vs. Illinois Game Information

The Southern Illinois Salukis will be on the road Saturday for a 2:00 PM matchup inside Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Southern Illinois enters the game at 2-1 after recording a 14-point victory over Southeast Missouri State last week. Illinois is 1-1 following a narrow 4-point loss to Duke. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.

Southern Illinois Preview

Southern Illinois has used 2 quarterbacks this season, as Jake Curry leads the team with 321 yards and 4 touchdowns on 27 completions. DJ Williams has added 305 yards and 1 touchdown on 20 completions, along with 113 yards and 4 scores on 12 carries. Chandler Chapman leads the Southern Illinois backfield with 279 yards on 52 attempts. Curry has contributed another 53 yards and 1 touchdown on 18 carries, while Edward Robinson has recorded 51 yards on 15 attempts. Kyle Thomas leads the Salukis through the air with 185 yards and 1 touchdown on 8 catches. Allen Middleton has added 128 yards and 1 score on 12 receptions, while Markell Quick has contributed 71 yards on 5 grabs.

Illinois Preview

Katin Houser is leading the Illinois offense this season with 453 yards and 6 touchdowns on 37 completions. Houser has also added 47 yards and 1 score on 7 rushing attempts. Ca’Lil Valentine leads the Illinois backfield with 144 yards and 1 touchdown on 29 carries, while Aidan Laughery has contributed 66 yards on 18 attempts. Collin Dixon has been the Fighting Illini's top target, with 236 yards and 5 touchdowns on 17 catches. Hudson Clement has added 71 yards on 7 receptions, while Ty Robinson has contributed 67 yards and 1 touchdown on 3 grabs. Laughery has also caught 2 passes for 23 yards out of the backfield.

Southern Illinois vs Illinois Pick

Southern Illinois has enough offensive talent to move the football occasionally, especially with Williams creating plays as both a passer and runner. However, Illinois owns a clear advantage in size, speed, and depth at nearly every position. Houser has thrown 6 touchdowns through 2 games and should find plenty of favorable matchups against the Southern Illinois secondary. The Salukis could score enough to avoid a complete shutout, but slowing Illinois for 4 quarters will be extremely difficult. Look for the Fighting Illini to establish control early, build a comfortable halftime advantage, and continue adding points with their reserves. Illinois should earn the dominant home victory and cover the large spread.

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  • Pick: Illinois -38.5
  • Secondary: Over 55.5

Final Score Prediction: Illinois 52, Southern Illinois 10

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