EIU was picked to finish third in the OVC by OVC Football Media members.
Last season EIU went 7-1 in the OVC Conference with their only loss being to eventual conference champion and national runner-up, Jacksonville State. Eastern Illinois returns 15 starters from last seasons team.
The rest of the top five was Jacksonville State with all 16 first place votes, followed by Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Illinois, UT Martin, and Southeast Missouri.
The Ohio Valley Conference will release their All-OVC Preseason Team and OVC Coach’s ranking on Monday.