Athlon Sports released their FCS Football preseason top-25 on Tuesday.  The Southern Illinois Salukis were given grace, despite a disappointing 5-6 in the 2022 season.  The Salukis are Athlon Sports’ preseason #20 team.

“Despite a win over Northwestern, the Salukis were disappointing last season. They seek to makes amends behind 14 returning starters, including quarterback Nic Baker (6,663 yards, 50 TDs in career), running back Ro Elliott, and safety PJ Jules,” Craig Haley writes.

The Southeastern Missouri Redhawks turned enough heads to garner a top-10 ranking.  The Redhawks are Athlon’s preseason #9.

“Geno Hess (4,112 rushing yards, 55 total TDs) is rewriting the SEMO record book as the Redhawks join the new Big South-OVC partner league. Hess, center Zack Gieg and safety Lawrence Johnson are each using an extra season of eligibility to stay teamed with quarterback Paxton DeLaurent and inside linebacker Bryce Norman,” writes Haley.