Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Athletics

The Salukis compete in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college athletics with scholarships and serious competition. With 408 athletes across 13 varsity sports, student-athletes make up about 5% of the 8,116-person student body. The athletic program distributes $5.78 million in scholarships annually. Southern Illinois has a long Division I tradition and competes in the Missouri Valley Conference for most sports. The school is particularly known for its basketball programs, with both men's and women's teams having strong regional followings. Football plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The rivalry with Illinois State adds intensity to conference matchups. The Saluki name comes from an ancient Egyptian hunting dog, reflecting the university's unique identity in college sports.