Eastern Washington University football is ranked No. 16 in the 2021 HERO Sports Preseason Top 25 released Thursday (July 8).
 
The Big Sky Conference had five teams recognized in the preseason poll, including three in the top nine. Montana State and Weber State led the way, as they both checked in at No. 7 and Montana was picked at No. 9. Sacramento State rounds out the BSC representatives tied at No. 23 with East Tennessee State.
 
The Eagles will face off against Weber State, Montana and Montana State at home at Roos Field in 2021, but won't play the Hornets.
 
Sam Houston claimed the No. 1 spot, while James Madison, South Dakota State, North Dakota State and Southern Illinois rounded out the top five. The Big Sky was tied for the most selections along with the Missouri Valley Conference, also with five.
 
Eastern finished 5-2 overall in the unique 2020-21 spring season and advanced to the first round of the NCAA Division I playoffs where it lost to North Dakota State. The Eagles ended the season ranked No. 10 in the Stats Perform Top 25 poll, marking the 16th time Eastern has finished the season nationally ranked, including 12 times since 2004. The other seasons were in 1985, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Seven times the Eagles have finished in the top four – fourth in 1997, 2012, 2014 and 2016; third in 2013; second in 2018; and first in 2010 after winning the NCAA Division I title.
 
The Eagles have already landed on the Athlon Sports Preseason Top 25, coming in at No. 19. James Madison claimed the No. 1 spot, while Big Sky foes Weber State (No. 6), Montana State (No. 8), Montana (No. 11), UC Davis (No. 17) and Sacramento State (on the cusp) were also ranked.
 
Eastern Washington opens the 2021 fall schedule on Sept. 2 at UNLV. The complete schedule can be found HERE, and season tickets go on sale to the general public (GoEags.com/tickets) on July 15.
 
HERO Sports FCS Preseason Top 25
 
1. Sam Houston
2. James Madison
3. South Dakota State
4. North Dakota State
5. Southern Illinois
6. Delaware
T-7. Montana State
T-7. Weber State
9. Montana
10. North Dakota
11. Central Arkansas
12. Monmouth
T-13. Southeastern Louisiana
T-13. VMI
15. Jacksonville State
16. Eastern Washington
17. Villanova
18. Austin Peay
19. North Carolina A&T
20. Chattanooga
21. Alcorn State
22. Murray State
T-23. East Tennessee State
T-23. Sacramento State
25. Missouri State
 
Received Votes: Alabama A&M, Florida A&M, Kennesaw State, Nicholls, Rhode Island