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EIU Football Unveils Preseason Standouts: A Look at Key Players Ahead of the 2025 Season
The Eastern illinois University football program has announced its roster of preseason players to watch, highlighting a talented group of individuals poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming 2025 season. Several Panthers have earned recognition for their defensive prowess, special teams contributions, and offensive capabilities.
On the defensive side of the ball, Brett Galletti, Mason Miller, and Cooper willman have been identified as key players to monitor.
Cole Van Hyfte is set to anchor the defensive line.Two seasons ago, he demonstrated his disruptive ability by leading the Panthers in tackles for loss. Despite an injury that impacted his production last season,Van Hyfte still managed to record 25 tackles,including five tackles for loss and a sack.
Jordan Porter, a linebacker, was a consistent presence in all 12 games last season and is recognized as a player to watch at his position. He finished second on the team with 68 tackles, achieving nine tackles in two separate games. Porter also contributed three tackles for loss and two pass break-ups.
Kashon Fridge earned a preseason nod as a defensive back. He participated in every game last season, stepping into a starting role at the nickel position during the latter part of the season. Fridge accumulated 17 tackles and two pass break-ups. His leadership was further acknowledged with his selection as a team captain for the 2025 season.
In special teams, Brett Galletti is recognized for his long snapping duties. He appeared in 11 games last year,taking over all long snapping responsibilities midway through the season. Galletti also achieved Academic all-District honors last season.
Mason Miller arrives as a formidable punting force, having earned NAIA Third Team All-American honors last season at Marian University in Indiana.He led the NAIA in punting with an remarkable 45.26 yards per punt, setting a new school single-season record.Miller was a two-time All-MFSA Midwest League selection during his five seasons as Marian’s punter.
Cooper Willman is also highlighted as a preseason player to watch as a punt returner. He was previously recognized on the offensive side as a wide receiver and all-purpose player. Willman was a first-team All-Conference selection last season at both positions. As a wide receiver, he set an EIU single-game record with 291 receiving yards on 11 catches, scoring three touchdowns against Gardner-Webb. He concluded the year with 66 receptions for 955 yards and eight touchdowns. Willman also served as the Panthers’ primary punt returner and handled kickoff returns late in the season.
In addition to these defensive and special teams standouts, the offensive unit features Jay Pearson, Alex Herrera, Cooper Willman, and Nic Di Santo on the preseason players to watch list.
The Panthers will kick off their 2025 campaign on Thursday, August 28, hosting Dayton at O’Brien Field.The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start. EIU will host a total of six home games this season, with season tickets currently available for purchase at www.eiupanthers.com/fbtickets.
