Eastern Illinois football will open the 2026 season on Thursday, August 27 with a Week Zero game at former Ohio Valley Conference rival Murray State.
 
On the current Thursday, July 16, the Panthers were predicted to finish seventh in this year's Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll as voted on by the league's head coaches.
 
The OVC will host its in-person media day on Friday, July 17 in Nashville presented by Shaw Sports Turf.
 
UT Martin was the preseason favorite with six first place votes followed by Southeast Missouri and Lindenwood.  Gardner-Webb was fourth with Charleston Southern, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois and Tennessee State rounding out the poll.
 
EIU will open OVC play on Oct. 10 at Gardner-Webb with the first home OVC contest the following week with Lindenwood visiting O'Brien Field on Oct. 17.
 
Season tickets are currently available for renewal or purchase online at www.eiupanthers.com or by calling 217-581-2106.  EIU's home opener is September 12 hosting Indiana State as part of Hall of Fame Weekend.
 
Earlier this week the conference listed its preseason players to watch by position with Eastern Illinois landing a total of 12 players on the preseason list.