College football magazine Sporting News recently rated Eastern Illinois University’s football team in the preseason FCS Top 25 after a 7-5 season culminating in eligibility for Fox College Sports playoffs for the 16th time in school history.
Eight starters will return on offense, including Devin Church, Arkansas transfer Korliss Marshall and quarterback Austin Green. With the loss of three All-OVC players, Seth McDonald, Jarvis Williams and Bradley Dewberry will take the field.
One key challenge lies in the need to replace both starting cornerbacks from the team’s previous season, with results pending fall camp.
As summer publications release their ranking data, current national champion North Dakota State was recently rated as a preseason favorite in Sporting News followed by Sam Houston State, Richmond, Northern Iowa and Jacksonville State in the top five.
EIU's two FCS non-conference opponents are also ranked in the Top 25 poll—with Illinois State ranked 10th and Western Illinois ranked 16th.
The Panthers will open the season at home with a 6 p.m. kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 1 against Western Illinois. EIU will play on the road at Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic on Sept. 17 and a key OVC game at Jacksonville State on Oct. 29.
Season ticket sales and renewals are now available online at www.eiupanthertickets.com or by calling 217-581-2106.
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