With the first chill of autumn still weeks away, the Eastern Washington Eagles are already making headlines as the 2026 football season draws near. The team’s schedule promises a rugged start, opening on August 29 against Northern Arizona before hosting Northern Iowa on September 5, promising early tests for a squad eager to build on recent momentum.
Preseason Honors
Jaylon Jenkins, the team’s hard‑hitting safety, has earned a second‑team spot on the preseason All‑American list, a testament to a breakout 2025 that saw him intercept five passes and tally 52 tackles. His knack for reading quarterbacks resulted in 13 defended passes, underscoring a defensive skill set that helped the Eagles tighten up a previously porous secondary.
Joining him on the third team is defensive tackle Isaiah Perez, whose relentless pass rush set a new Eastern record with four blocked kicks last season. Perez also anchored the line with a career‑high 4.0 sacks and contributed 51 tackles, numbers that not only placed him among the conference’s elite but also highlighted his impact on the interior of the defense.
The excitement extends beyond individual accolades, as both players will represent Eastern Washington at the Big Sky Conference’s Kickoff Weekend in Spokane, an event that draws fans and media from across the region. The weekend will serve as a final preview before the Eagles step onto the field for their season‑opening battle.
Coach and teammates alike are confident that the defensive duo’s momentum will translate into on‑field dominance early in the schedule. As the team prepares to travel to Flagstaff and then return home for its first home game, the chemistry forged during preseason practices could prove decisive. If Jenkins and Perez can sustain their 2025 form, the Eagles may well turn early challenges into opportunities for a deep run in the Big Sky race.