The Sports Staff share their predictions on the football season for the Panthers.

Zaria Flippin (Head Sports Editor): 10-2 overall record

I think everyone was in shock that the Panthers did not make the playoffs last season. I think this team is coming in with a chip on their shoulder this season to prove that the committee got it wrong last season.

The Panthers have a lot of returners that made a significant impact last season, including graduate quarterback Pierce Holley, redshirt sophomore running back MJ Flowers and senior defensive lineman Joel Barrows.

We also can’t forget about the newbies that have come in to play with this team and provide a more depth within the roster.

I think the Panthers will end 10-2, including an upset against the Fighting Illini.

I believe the two losses will come from Northwestern and one opponent in the Big South-OVC. Either Southeast Missouri or UT Martin.

I also think Eastern will win the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference, which would give them an automatic spot in the FCS playoffs.

Patrick Schmitz (Assistant Sports Editor): 11-1 overall record

This football season the Eastern Illinois Panthers are looking to improve on their 8-3 record from last year, and I think they can.

The Panthers have a lot of returning players including redshirt sophomore running back MJ Flowers and graduate student quarterback Pierce Holley. They have also added a lot of transfers and freshmen who can make immediate impacts.

Speaking of immediate impacts, I think EIU will make one in the first week against University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  EIU is going to shock the world and create a huge upset in the very first week.

After that, I predict they will only lose one more game to Northwestern University on their way to an OVC-Big South championship.

In the playoffs anything can happen, but I think EIU will meet their match in one of their first two games bringing an end to their stellar season.

Payton Liggins (Sports Reporter): 9-3 overall record

The upcoming football season for Eastern Illinois looks promising for the team, especially after a year of significant restructuring and improvements.

Not making it to the playoffs last season served as a catalyst for changes to the program. With some players moving around and players being added to the roster, I believe we have a huge opportunity to impress Eastern.

As the team is likely to face tough competition, I predict with the combination of fresh talent and strategic adjustments, we will succeed this season. However, if the team can maintain focus and execute their game plan effectively, there’s a strong possibility that they will not only have a winning season but also make a serious bid for a playoff spot.

I think the Panthers will end the season with a 9-3 record while winning the Big South-OVC Championship.

Gabe Newman (Sports Reporter): 7-5 overall record

I, like many others, was left in shock when I learned that an 8-3 record wouldn’t be enough for a playoff berth last season.

The general understanding was the team’s non-conference record wasn’t “strong enough,” and they didn’t have a very impressive “signature win.” This year, no committee on the planet can say that Eastern doesn’t have a tough schedule: two B1G teams, Illinois State away and three separate trips to Tennessee.

With that said, I have the team finishing 7-5. I expect that to be enough with the schedule the team has to get into the playoffs, which is what the players, coaches and fans are dying to see.

Aidan Cusack (Sports Reporter): 7-5 overall record

College football has almost returned to Charleston as the Panthers open their season on Aug. 29 against the University of Illinois– yikes.

After their first game, Eastern is so back. Eastern’s second game doubles as the team’s home opener, as they play Indiana State in their annual regional rivalry game. Last year, the Panthers clobbered the Sycamores 27-0. I reckon the same this year as the team moves to 1-1.

Next, the Panthers play Northwestern in Evanston. Eastern moves to 1-2. No further analysis.

Following their second B1G opponent, Eastern plays their second regional rivalry game against the Illinois State Redbirds. Last year, the Panthers squeaked out a win, but I fear this year, ISU will come to play. Panthers drop to 1-3.

I think the Panthers will end the season with a 7-5 overall record and a 6-2 record in OVC-Big South, losing to UT Martin and Gardner Webb.

This will most likely end the team’s season as they would just fall short of the FCS Playoffs.

We shall see what unfolds.