CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois football has been ranked in the preseason FCS Top 25 by the Sporting News as preseason football magazines are being released during the summer.** EIU is ranked 25th in the preseason poll after going 7-5 last season and making the FCS playoffs for the 16th time in school history.*EIU returns eight starters on offense including second team All-OVC running back Devin Church.* Add to that mix a veteran offensive line and Arkansas transfer Korliss Marshall and the Panthers will have a potent backfield.** EIU must replace its starting quarterback and Austin Green came out of the spring as the Panthers number one quarterback.* He will be challenged by several quarterbacks currently on the roster and a freshman recruit.* The wide receiver group has depth returning eight receivers that caught at least one touchdown last season.**The EIU defense will be revamped with the loss of three All-OVC first team selections.** Senior Seth McDonald will be a building block as he was among the league leaders in tackles last year finishing with more than 100 stops as he was twice named the OVC Defensive Player of the Week.* Jarvis Williams will anchor the front line and Bradley Dewberry will provide experience in the secondary.* The Panthers will have to replace both starting corner backs from last season and that should be a key battle during fall camp.*Defending national champion North Dakota State was the preseason favorite in the publication followed by Sam Houston State, Richmond, Northern Iowa and Jacksonville State in the top five.* EIU's two FCS non-conference opponents are both ranked in the Top 25 poll with Illinois State ranked 10th and Western Illinois ranked 16th.***EIU will play at Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic on Sept. 17.** EIU plays a key OVC game at Jacksonville State on Oct. 29.*The Panthers will open the season at home on Thursday, Sept. 1 against Western Illinois.* Kickoff is at 6 p.m.*** Season ticket sales and renewals are now available online at www.eiupanthertickets.com or by calling 217-581-2106.**

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