Venue & Game Details
Matchup: Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks
Kickoff Time: 4:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM CT
Venue: Hanson Field, Macomb, Illinois
Capacity: ~16,368
Broadcast: ESPN+
Special Note: Part of Western Illinois’ “NFL ’Necks & Football Reunion Weekend Youth Day” promotions
Weather Forecast (Macomb, IL)
Kickoff Temperature: ~75°F (24°C)
Conditions: Partly sunny, mild
Wind: 8–12 mph from the west
Precipitation: ~10% chance of light showers
Impact: Ideal early fall football weather; wind could slightly affect special teams.
Injury Report
Eastern Illinois Panthers:
QB Connor Wolf – healthy, 523 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs.
RB Charles Kellom – healthy, 241 rushing yards, 2 TDs.
WR CJ Nelson – healthy, 210 yards, 2 TDs.
No major injuries reported.
Western Illinois Leathernecks:
QB Chris Irvin – healthy, 578 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs.
RB Markell Holman – healthy, 329 rushing yards, 2 TDs.
WR Demari Davis – healthy, 210 yards, 1 TD.
No major injuries reported.
Key Player Matchups
QB Connor Wolf (EIU) vs. WIU Secondary
Wolf is averaging 174 ypg with 4 TDs.
WIU has allowed 30+ points in 3 of 4 games.
RB Markell Holman (WIU) vs. EIU Front Seven
Holman is averaging 82 ypg.
EIU has struggled against power backs, giving up 200+ rushing yards in two games.
WR CJ Nelson (EIU) vs. WIU Corners
Nelson averages 105 ypg with 2 TDs.
WIU’s secondary has been inconsistent.
QB Chris Irvin (WIU) vs. EIU Pass Rush
Irvin has 5 TDs but 3 INTs.
EIU’s DL has 2 sacks from DL D. Van Hyfte.
Recent Team Form
Eastern Illinois Panthers (1–2)
L 42–30 vs. Illinois State (Week 3)
L 38–14 @ Indiana State (Week 2)
W 24–14 vs. Dayton (Week 1)
Strengths: Balanced offense, WR Nelson emerging.
Weaknesses: Defense allowing 36.7 ppg.
Western Illinois Leathernecks (1–3)
L 52–31 @ Eastern Washington (Week 4)
W 51–30 vs. Valparaiso (Week 3)
L 42–7 @ Northwestern (Week 2, FBS)
L 52–3 @ Illinois (Week 1, FBS)
Strengths: Run game with Holman, WR Davis as a deep threat.
Weaknesses: Defense giving up 44.3 ppg.
Conference vs. Conference
Both are members of the Big South–OVC Football Association.
This is a conference matchup with both teams seeking their first league win.
Series History
All-time series: Eastern Illinois leads 42–21–5.
Last meeting: 2023 – Eastern Illinois won 30–17.
Trend: EIU has won 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Betting Trends
Eastern Illinois Panthers:
1–2 ATS in 2025.
4–2 ATS in last 6 Big South–OVC games.
3 of last 4 games have gone Over.
Western Illinois Leathernecks:
1–3 ATS in 2025.
2–6 ATS in last 8 home games.
4 of last 5 games have gone Over.
Historical Betting Results
2023: EIU -7 covered in 30–17 win (Under cashed).
2022: WIU +3 covered in 20–17 win (Under cashed).
2021: EIU +6 covered in 19–10 win (Under cashed).
Game Odds
Eastern Illinois Panthers – 2.5
Western Illinois Leathernecks 59
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025
