2024 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big South / OVC Football Teams

Excitement continues to build for Eastern Illinois football as the Panthers had four players named to the Phil Steele Preseason Big South/OVC Football first team released by the publication on Friday (August 2).
 
In total 13 Panthers were named to the publication's three preseason teams as EIU continues prep towards the 2024 season opener on August 29 at Illinois.
 
Running back MJ Flowers, wide receiver Eli Mirza, offensive lineman Sebastian Pares and linebacker Elijawah Tolbert were named to the preseason first team.
 
Leading the second team selections were offensive linemen Drew Wilder and Nic DiSanto along with defensive lineman Joel Barrows, linebacker Anthony Shockey, defensive back Kaleb Lyons and kick returner Mark Aitken.
 
Quarterback Pierce Holley was listed on the preseason third team with defensive lineman Nicholas Oliveira-Chace and long snapper Jack Valente.
 
Earlier this week Pierce Holley was named to the preseason watch list for the Walter Payton Award while Elijawah Tolbert was named to the preseason watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award.
 
Holley was also named the Big South/OVC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year as voted on by the league's head coaches and released on Big South/OVC Football Media Day in July.