Eastern Illinois football participated in the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Football Media Day on Friday, July 17, in Nashville, Tenn.  The event was presented by Shaw Sports Turf.

EIU was represented by head coach Chris Wilkerson along with senior running back Charles Kellom and senior linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson.

The Panthers were picked to finish seventh in the OVC Preseason poll with 12 Panthers listed on the OVC preseason watch list for their respective positions.

A look back at EIU's Day in Nashville

A look back at @EIU_FB at the 2026 @OVCSports Football Media Day in Nashville presented by @shawsportsturf

Panthers represented by HC Chris Wilkerson, RB Charles Kellom and LB Ja'Wuan Nickson

Season opener Aug. 27 at Murray State pic.twitter.com/FUCU6CiMKs

— Eastern Illinois Athletics (@EIU_Panthers) July 18, 2026