Western Illinois Football placed 11 student-athletes on the 2026 Phil Steele Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference Teams, highlighted by five First Team selections.
The Leathernecks’ offensive unit featured five honorees, led by First Team selections Quarterback Cason Carswell, Wide Receiver Christian Anaya, and Offensive Lineman James Durand. Senior Tight End David Hargro earned Second Team recognition, while senior Running Back Ihson Jackson-Anderson was named to the Third Team.
Defensively, Western Illinois saw four players recognized. sophomore Defensive Back Don Paul Keith collected First Team honors, while sophomore Linebacker Justin Buckner was named to the Second Team. Junior Defensive Lineman Keshawn Harrington-McKinney and junior Linebacker Nick Reinicke each earned Third Team recognition.
On special teams, senior Punter Luke Droegemueller received First Team honors, while senior Long Snapper Ben Bergfeld was selected to the Second Team.
Western Illinois Phil Steele Preseason All-OVC Honorees
First Team
- QB – Cason Carswell
- WR – Christian Anaya
- OL – James Durand
- DB – Don Paul Keith
- P – Luke Droegemueller
Second Team
- TE – David Hargro
- LB – Justin Buckner
- LS – Ben Bergfeld
Third Team
- RB – Ihson Jackson-Anderson
- DL – Keshawn Harrington-McKinney
- LB– Nick Reinicke
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***Courtesy of Western Illinois University***
