CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The thrill of football is palpable in Charleston as Eastern Illinois University eagerly anticipates the start of the 2026 season.
With summer workouts in full swing, the team is committed to building strong bonds off the field while preparing for a season that promises intensity and challenge.
Last season didn’t end the way EIU hoped, finishing with a 3-9 record overall and just 2-6 in the Ohio Valley Conference. Facing formidable opponents, they’ve clashed with three powerhouses over the past couple of seasons, including the University of Illinois and Northwestern University in 2024, with Alabama lined up in 2025.
The Panthers’ journey in 2026 entails a rigorous travel schedule for their non-conference games. They will play four out of five games on the road. Beginning the season at Murray State on August 27, EIU will then head to Minnesota to face a Big Ten rival in their second week. The competition stays fierce as they travel to Normal to encounter Illinois State, who are fresh off a national championship appearance in the FCS playoffs, followed by a match against South Dakota State University, a team that finished last season with a 9-4 record.
Head coach Chris Wilkerson is enthusiastic about the opportunity to challenge his team against elite competition right out of the gate, seeing it as a crucial test early in the season.
“No matter who we’re playing, where we’re playing, what the score is, it’s just an opportunity to compete,” Wilkerson said.
There will be 56 new players coming to O’Brien Field of Eastern’s projected 111 player roster for the 2026 season. Wilkerson may have many new faces on his team, but says they have gotten more experienced with roughly half of fresh faces transferring in after stops at another college.
In April, the Panthers announced their two captains for the season. They are both returning seniors entering their last season in collegiate football. Charles Kellom is a redshirt senior running back, and Ja’Wuan Nickson is a senior linebacker.
Tuesday, EIU’s team leaders spoke about their mindset going into their last season and what the focus is as they lead a group with so many newcomers.
As for playing against a Big Ten team:
“It fires me up, I love it, I really do,” Kellom said. “As long as we come together and everybody does their [job,] we’ll be good.”