NEW YORK – Eastern Illinois football garnered another preseason Top 25 ranking as The Sporting News publication recently hit newsstands. The Panthers landed at No. 16 in the preseason Top 25.

In addition to a Top 25 national preseason ranking, Eastern Illinois also had two players earn preseason All-American accolades by The Sporting News.

Junior guard Chaz Millard was named a first team selection on offensive line while sophomore punter Kevin Cook was named the first team punter. Both players earned honorable mention All-American honors by the Sports Network last year.

The Panthers were also tabbed the preseason Ohio Valley Conference favorite and the Panthers November 8 contest at Tennessee State was named the game to watch in the OVC by the publication.

Three time defending national champion Appalachian State was picked as the preseason No.1 with James Madison second, Northern Iowa third, Eastern Washington fourth and Delaware fifth.

Montana, Richmond, North Dakota State, Youngstown State and Cal Poly filled spots No. 6 through 10. Massachusetts led the second ten in the rankings followed by Elon, Wofford, McNeese State, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Villanova, Northern Arizona, Montana State and Harvard.

Southern Illinois landed at No. 21 with The Citadel at No. 22. New Hampshire, Delaware State and Fordham closed out the Top 25 preseason rankings.

Eastern Illinois finished the 2007 season at 8-4 and was ranked nationally as they made their third straight NCAA FCS playoff appearance. The Panthers open the 2008 season on Thursday, August 28 at Central Michigan. The OVC opener for Eastern Illinois is Sept. 27 versus Jacksonville State at O'Brien Stadium.