This week's Missouri Valley Football Conference players of the week include QB DJ Williams of Southern Illinois; LB Chris Presto of Southern Illinois; DB Shadwel Nkuba II of Illinois State; PK Andrew Lastovka of Youngstown State; and OG Derek Harden of Southern Illinois.
 
Offensive Player of the Week
QB DJ Williams, Southern Illinois, Sr., Harvey, Ill. / Thornton Township High
Williams was special yet again for Southern Illinois in the 59-31 victory at Southeast Missouri State. Williams combined for 493 total yards (342 passing, 151 rushing) and six total touchdowns (four passing, two rushing). The quarterback set a new career-high in passing yards, rushing yards, and touchdown passes, as well as new career-best marks in longest rush (75 yards) and longest pass (69 yards).  The 59 points are the most SIU has scored against SEMO in the series.
 
Defensive Player of the Week
LB Chris Presto, Southern Illinois, Jr., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. / Cardinal Newman High
Southern Illinois throttled rival Southeast Missouri State, 59-31, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., on Saturday, and Presto was the leader of the defensive effort.  He was second on the team with 12 tackles and also had an interception and forced fumble in the victory.  The Salukis have now won three-straight games against the Redhawks in Cape Girardeau and are 21-20-4 all-time while playing at SEMO.
 
Newcomer of the Week
DB Shadwel Nkuba II, Illinois State, Jr., Lewisville, Texas / Lewisville High / Louisiana
Nkuba II had his best day as a Redbird in the team’s 38-36 double overtime win over North Alabama. The Louisiana transfer posted a career-best 10 tackles, including five solo stops, and was credited with a sack, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and an interception. Nkuba II has now recorded one interception in each of the team’s first four games to tie the team lead from 2024 set by Tye Niekamp.
 
Special Teams Player of the Week
PK Andrew Lastovka, Youngstown State, Jr., Sagamore Hills, Ohio / Nordonia High
Lastovka made three field goals, including a game-winning 40-yard field goal as time expired to help the Penguins beat Towson 31-28 on Saturday night. He kicked a 48-yard field goal to tie the contest with 1:37 remaining to tie the game. Then YSU moved into position at the Towson 24-yard line with three seconds left and he calmly drilled a 40-yarder as time expired. It was the second time in his career he kicked a game-winning field goal. In the third quarter he also made a 27-yard field goal as well.
 
Offensive Lineman of the Week
OG Derek Harden, Southern Illinois, Sr., Lawrenceville, Ga. / Archer High
Southern Illinois rolled to a 59-31 victory over rival Southeast Missouri State on Saturday.   Harden graded out at 94 percent, with three knockdowns and zero sacks allowed, as SIU rolled up 22 first downs and 612 yards of total offense.   SIU averaged 10.6 yards per play while scoring the most points (59) in the rivalry.