Eastern Illinois senior linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson has been named one of the Top 30 returning FCS linebackers as ranked by Hero Sports FCS.
 
Nickson was ranked as the No. 27 returning FCS linebacker for the upcoming season.  Last season he finished second on the team with 95 tackles while leading the Panthers with 8.5 tackles for loss.  The linebacker added two sacks with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.  He earned second team All-Conference honors. 
 
The Panthers open the 2026 on Thursday, August 27 at Murray State with the home opener against Indiana State on Saturday, September 12 at O'Brien Field.
 
Read Complete Hero Sports FCS Top 30 Returning Linebacker Ranking.
 
Best Returning FCS Linebackers
27. Ja'Wuan Nickson, Eastern Illinois
5. Cole Taylor, Montana State
4. Rohan Davy, Rhode Island
3. Peyton Wing, Montana
2. Mikey D'Amato, Cal Poly
1. Tye Niekamp, Illinois State