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Eastern Illinois football opens the 2024 season on August 29 at Illinois, the first of two games this season against Big Ten Conference schools.
 
The Panthers enter the 2024 season with a veteran defensive line that saw different players step forward to make big plays at various times last season.  The group helped anchor a unit that ranked second in the FCS in turnovers gained.
 
Senior Joel Barrows is one of those senior faces as he was named a preseason defensive lineman to watch in the Big South/OVC this season after earning second team All-Conference honors last year.  Barrows was second on the team with four sacks while leading the team with three forced fumbles. 
 
"Joel Barrows is our standout player to watch for the Big South / OVC. Joel exhibits exceptional first-step quickness, giving him a decisive edge in explosiveness off the snap. His change-of-direction skills are impressive, allowing him to navigate through blockers effectively. Joel's combination of fluidity, flexibility, and athletic prowess makes him adept at covering zones and tracking swing routes," said defensive line coach Carlif Taylor.  " Since 2023, he has improved his outside rush technique, showcasing an expanded and refined pass-rush arsenal. With the necessary arm length to set the edge and keep offensive tackles at bay, Joel effectively utilizes his frame to slip through tight spaces in run defense while keeping his outside arm unengaged. Notably, he was the only defensive lineman to win all-conference honors last year."
 
Barrows is not the only player to watch on the defensive front this season that features eight total seniors.  The group features veteran faces that have all started games during their EIU careers including Tre'jon Lewis, Nicholas Oliveira-Chace, Alton Jefferson, Colby Smith, Jaron Hacha and Drake Van Hyfte.
 
"For our defensive line position group, we have a veteran group with eight seniors who possess a very high football IQ.  Our theme for the season, 'The Journey,' emphasizes winning the day, staying level-headed, and focusing on the process and preparation rather than the outcome.  This approach has instilled a strong sense of commitment and effort in our players, making them resilient and adaptable."
 
As a group the defensive line corps that is returning this season produced 151 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 15 sacks as part of last year's defense.  Taylor commented on two seniors ready to have break out seasons alongside Barrows.
 
"Nicholas Oliveira-Chace has an excellent frame and long arms, which he leverages well in pass-rushing, exhibiting a natural instinct despite his newness to the edge position. Known for his good character and leadership, he is a positive locker room influence, aligning well with NFL team culture. OC chases well in pursuit and possesses the athleticism to play in space if needed. He is a solid run defender with the strength to maintain gap integrity and a strong bull rush, consistently pushing the pocket and collapsing running lanes. Nicolas is a versatile defender capable of lining up at multiple positions along the defensive front, providing valuable scheme flexibility."
 
"Tre'jon Lewis has a high football IQ, likely honed from growing up in a football-centric family, which is evident in his pre-snap recognition and adaptability. Known for his good character and leadership, Tre'jon is also a positive locker room influence, aligning well with NFL team culture. He has an excellent feel for working off blockers and knowing how and when to counter as the play develops. As a coachable player, Tre'jon has shown a steady improvement trajectory from last year to now. His ability to generate interior pressure is a valuable asset in today's pass-heavy NFL."
 
Adding to the depth up front are returning players Luke Wagner who appeared in 11 games last season, primarily on special teams, and Jamari Johnson.  Johnson is a player who had excelled early in fall camp in 2023 before suffering a season ending injury prior to the regular season.  The Panthers have then added in to the mix a graduate transfer in Jerrad Price with five years of experience at the FCS and Division II level.
 
The room is rounded out by a host of young players looking to crack into the playing rotation this season with Aidan Archibald (Fr.), Isaiah Hare (Fr.), Trevon Piggee-Blake (R-Fr.), Tray Ross (Fr.), Cody Silzer (R-So.), King Smith (Fr.), Christian Takatch (So.) and Peyton Wilkerson (R-Fr.).