• Fan Digital Preview | 2021 Football Schedule | Preseason Release | Media Day Recap | FCS Insider Website
Eastern Illinois was predicted seventh in the 2021 OVC football preseason poll.
This year marks year number three for
Adam Cushing at Eastern Illinois. The Panthers will kick off the season with a Week Zero game when they take on rival Indiana State for the 87th time. It marks the fourth time an OVC team has competed in a Week Zero matchup.
Last season the Panthers led the OVC in kickoff returns (22.0 yards/return), fewest penalties (4.83/game), fewest yards penalized (31.17/game), kick return defense (10.31 yards/return) and blocked punts (2). Among the team's returning players is linebacker
Jason Johnson who was named a Sophomore All-American after making 66 tackles in just six games, a mark that ranked eighth among all FCS players (11.0/game). Also back is kick returner
Matt Judd, who ranked 13th in the FCS in kickoff return average last year (24.8 yards/return).
BELOW VIDEOS
Head Coach Adam Cushing
Junior Running Back Jaelin Benefield