Nine Eastern Illinois football players have been named to the preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference team as selected by Phil Steele.  In addition, sophomore center Rahfeeq Katumbusi has been named a third team preseason All-American.
 
Katumbusi was one of four players named to the preseason first team joined by tight end Alex Ginnever, defensive lineman Trevon Piggee and linebacker Ja'Wuan Nickson.
 
Running back Charles Kellom led a group of four players on the preseason second team as he was joined by two defensive players – defensive lineman Aidan Archibald and defensive back Saipeti Maiava.   Kicker Drew Schiller rounded out EIU's second team selections.
 
The preseason selections included a third team with wide receiver Landers Green landing on that squad.
 
Katumbusi was a second team All-OVC selection last season at center starting 11 games as a redshirt freshman.  He went on to earn FCS Freshmen All-America honors.
 
The Panthers opened fall camp earlier this week and will kickoff the 2026 season on August 27 at Murray State.  The home opener is September 12 hosting regional rival Indiana State.
 
Season tickets are now on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthers.com   Single game tickets and tailgate squares go on sale on August 1.