How to Watch Southern Illinois vs. Illinois - Big Ten Football on Peacock (Sept. 19)
This week's college football action brings a Peacock-exclusive Big Ten doubleheader.
Content availability may vary over time.
Key Takeaways
- Southern Illinois vs. Illinois will stream exclusively on Peacock on Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m. ET from Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
- Illinois enters the matchup using it as a tune-up before Big Ten play, led by quarterback Katin Houser and wide receiver Collin Dixon, while Southern Illinois hopes returning talent like dual-threat quarterback DJ Williams can help the Salukis compete and build momentum for an FCS Playoff push.
- The game is part of Peacock’s Week 3 Big Ten coverage, with Paul Burmeister handling play-by-play alongside analyst Ian Book and sideline reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi.
The teams of the Big Ten Conference haven't even started playing each other yet this college football season, but things are already exciting. After almost losing to Western Michigan in a controversial finish, Michigan dropped out of the Top 25, only to drop right back in after an upset win over Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Ohio State and Oregon, both College Football Playoff teams last season, dropped tough non-conference games in Week 2, setting up a lot of questions heading into the conference schedule.
The Illinois Fighting Illini haven't had the national spotlight yet this season, but underestimate them at your peril. Bret Bielema's team has been one of the most persistent and determined in the Big Ten over the last few seasons, and this week we'll get to see them tune up for conference play in a Peacock-exclusive matchup against Southern Illinois. Let's take a quick look at the game.
How can I watch Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Illinois Fighting Illini?
Southern Illinois vs. Illinois kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 19, streaming live exclusively on Peacock. The game overlaps with Eastern Michigan vs. Wisconsin, which can also be seen exclusively on Peacock, giving you a double-dose of Big Ten action.
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Southern Illinois vs. Illinois kickoff time
The Salukis and the Illini are set to kick off Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m. ET, live from Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
Southern Illinois vs. Illinois preview
The Illini start Big Ten conference play in Week 4, and they'll have their hands full against an Ohio State team that's still chasing a Big Ten title and a shot at the College Football Playoff. That, plus their close loss to Duke last week, means that Bret Bielema's team will be ready to flex all their football muscles, work out some kinks, and get ready for bigger games ahead, so don't expect them to hold much back.
On the other side of the ball, Southern Illinois has an uphill battle in this FCS vs. FBS matchup, but that doesn't mean they'll roll over. The Salukis are coming off a rebound season last year with lots of returning starters and a chance to make it to the FCS Playoffs for the first time in three years. Beating a Big Ten team would be a huge feather in their cap, but even if they can't shock Illinois, they can get their starters valuable reps and maybe surprise some non-FCS viewers with what they can do.
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Southern Illinois vs. Illinois players to watch
Illinois is breaking in some new team leaders after several key starters departed last season, and one of them is quarterback Katin Houser. A transfer from Eastern Carolina, Houser's put up six touchdowns and one interception in two games so far, so if he has a good day you can expect the Illini to be productive in the air. And if Houser has a good day, Collin Dixon probably has a lot to do with it. The senior wideout leads the FBS with five touchdowns so far this season, making him Houser's prime target.
As for Southern Illinois, they've got quite a bit of returning talent, including quarterback DJ Williams, who scored 40 total touchdowns in 2025, including 18 on the ground. He's a double threat with the capacity to break a game open (though maybe not this game), and the Salukis will be looking to him to lead them back to the playoffs.
Who's on the broadcast team for Southern Illinois vs. Illinois?
Paul Burmeister will be on the play-by-play call for NBC Sports, with analysis from Ian Book and sideline reporting from Ashley ShahAhmadi.
Catch Big Ten and Notre Dame football all season long on Peacock!
