Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

Eastern Illinois football wrapped up spring practice on Saturday with its Blue/White Spring Game featuring the offense vs defense in a modified scoring system.
 
The offense scored on the final possession of the game and knocked home an extra point for a 43-42 win.
 
Jesse Lajes scored on a short touchdown run for the final score after Alex Herrera hauled in a long reception to put the offense in scoring position.
 
Redshirt freshman Jacarre Fleming started the scoring for the offense with a long run around the left end for the first of his two rushing touchdowns in the game.
 
Cole LaCrue hit DeAirious Smith for a touchdown pass as all five quarterbacks currently on the EIU roster saw time in spring game under center.
 
EIU's defense featured some bright spots during the game with two interceptions and a forced fumble creating three turnovers.  Interceptions in the game came by Nick Vecchiarelli and Makhi Wilson with Wilson's pick coming in the end zone to prevent an offensive score.
 
Following the Spring Game EIU announced its 2025 team captains with Nic DiSanto, Tienne Fridge, Jesse Garza and Cooper Willman selected for this year.
 
The Panthers open the 2025 season at home on Thursday, August 28 hosting Dayton in the first of six home games this season at O'Brien Field.
 
The 2025 regular season ends on November 22 at Alabama.  Tickets for that contest are available through the EIU ticket office at 217-581-2106.