Eastern Illinois University opened its 2026 football season with a 28-14 victory over Murray State University on the road, improving to 1-0 as the Panthers look to build momentum early in the campaign.
The win was anchored by a ground attack that proved too much for the Racers, as Eastern Illinois racked up 306 rushing yards while limiting Murray State to just 96 on the ground.
Kellom’s Triple Threat
Charles Kellom was the offensive centerpiece, scoring three touchdowns that included a 10-yard and an 88-yard run, and finishing with 171 rushing yards to showcase his explosiveness.
Defensively, Ja’Wuan Nickson led the effort with 10 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception returned for 25 yards in the fourth quarter, helping seal the win.
Quarterback Cole LaCrue completed 11 of 18 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, though his night was marred by five sacks that highlighted protection issues.
Stat Sheet and Special Teams
Eastern Illinois outgained Murray State 368-320 in total offense and held a time‑of‑possession advantage of 33:11, underscoring the Panthers’ ability to control the tempo.
The Racers also faced a series of setbacks on special teams, with a blocked field goal, a missed extra point and a muffed punt all contributing to the early deficit.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers now turn their attention to a road test at Minnesota, where kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., a matchup that will test their newly forged identity against a Big Ten opponent.