** During the month of July, EIUPanthers.com looks back at 14 events, moments and players that helped shape the 2024-25 academic year. **

It started out innocently enough with a catch for 34 yards on Eastern Illinois opening drive of the game on November 9 at Gardner-Webb.
 
At halftime, Cooper Willman's receiving total for the game had only climbed to two catches for 39 yards.
 
At the end of the contest Willman had set the Eastern Illinois single game record for receiving yards accounting for the best single game performance in the FCS for the season.  The second best total in the FCS during the 2024 season was 244 yards by Elijah Stewart of Lafayette against Monmouth.  It was one of twelve 200-plus yard performances in the FCS during the season.
 
Willman's end of game line was 11 receptions for 291 yards and three touchdowns.  He scored on touchdown grabs of 8, 80 and 25 yards all in the final 18 minutes of game action.
 
Willman's total ranks as the third most all-time in OVC football history but did set the record for the Big South-OVC Football Association which completed its second year of play.  
 
Willman broke the previous EIU mark of 269 set by Erik Lora in 2012 against Murray State.   It was only the tenth 200-plus yard receiving game in program history only second over 250 yards.
 
Willman ended the season as a first team All-Conference selection and returns as the one of the top offensive players in the conference for the 2025 season.

2024-25 Year In Review
No. 14 - EIU Hires Five New Head Coaches
No. 13 – EIU Beach Volleyball Wins First-Ever OVC Tournament Match 
No. 12 - Baseball Wins Longest Game In OVC History