A Fresh Batch of Talent
Eastern Illinois University announced this week that it has welcomed 17 new players to its football program for the summer, a move that underscores the school’s aggressive push to reshape its roster ahead of the upcoming season.
The incoming group blends high school standouts, junior college transfers and four‑year college transfers, each bringing a distinct set of skills and experiences that coaches hope will translate into immediate impact on the field.
Among the high school signees, long snapper Danny Majoney from Glenbard North High School arrives with a 4.5‑star rating, while kicker Calvin Ogawa of Carlsbad High School boasts a 93 percent extra‑point conversion rate, and wide receiver OJ Powell from Willowbrook High School was recently named the school’s most valuable athlete.
The junior college contingent includes offensive lineman Tatum Bentley from Monterey Peninsula College, who helped his team finish 7‑4 last season, and wide receiver Ayden Billups from Grossmont College, who recorded 64 receptions for 917 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024.
Four‑year college transfers add depth at multiple positions, with running back Jeremiah Cadet from Anna Maria College having rushed for 333 yards and two touchdowns, punter Cade Cox from UC Davis averaging 34.6 yards per punt, and safety Alex Koulovatos from Long Beach City College earning second‑team All‑Conference honors.
Other notable additions include running back Azeon Nelson from El Camino College, who posted 335 yards and four touchdowns, offensive lineman Gianni Pangallo from SUNY Buffalo State, a conference champion, and kicker Alex Stoyanovich from the University of Colorado, son of former NFL kicker Pete Stoyanovich.
The roster also features long snapper Matthew Toledo from the University of Rio Grande, defensive lineman David Uzoma from LA Southwestern College, who was named American Division Metro League Defensive Player of the Year, and wide receiver Devin Whitlock from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a first‑team All‑PSAC West selection.
Finally, wide receiver Jadhari Young from De Anza College was recognized as the Most Inspirational Athlete for the 2025‑26 academic year, rounding out a diverse and talented class.
Coaching Outlook
Head coach emphasized that the new recruits are expected to compete for starting positions from the outset, noting that the mix of experience and raw talent creates a competitive environment that should raise the overall level of play during practice.
The coaching staff believes that the additions address previous weaknesses at the line of scrimmage and in the kicking game, while also adding speed and playmaking ability at the receiver and running back spots.
With the new players now on campus, the team is slated to enter preseason camp with a renewed sense of optimism, as the program looks to build on last season’s progress and contend for a conference title.