Changes on the Horizon for Eastern Washington Football
In Cheney, Washington, the off-season has brought significant changes to the Eastern Washington University football team. After saying goodbye to two dozen seniors just last month, the Eagles are now facing a new wave of uncertainty as several players have entered the transfer portal. However, a recent ruling by the NCAA could change the plans for some of these players.
This decision, which allows athletes from non-NCAA schools to gain an additional year of eligibility, stems from a case involving Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. If certain players from Eastern Washington decide to take advantage of this ruling, they could return for another season. The players in question include standout all-purpose player Michael Wortham, starting tight end Austin York, and starting center Jack Seelye.
As of now, these athletes are evaluating their options. The decision isn’t as simple as it may seem. Many players have already begun looking ahead to their futures beyond football. “The tough part right now is some of these guys have made other life plans,” said associate head coach Marc Anderson. “They may have come to terms with playing their last game.”
Wortham acknowledged he hadn’t closely followed the Pavia case until recently but reflected positively on it. “I saw the case and I thought, ‘Good for him. He’s lucky,’” he remarked, underscoring that his focus was initially elsewhere.
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, this ruling could reshape the future for players across the Big Sky Conference. There is some speculation that further changes to NCAA eligibility criteria may occur, which could impact players who started at junior colleges.
Meanwhile, former Eastern quarterback Kekoa Visperas announced he will transfer to Tennessee Tech. Visperas had an impressive run with the Eagles, completing 69% of his passes for over 5,200 yards. Tight end Jett Carpenter also entered the transfer portal, and offensive line coach Hayden Mace has joined former EWU offensive coordinator Jim Chapin at Central Michigan.
Despite the transitions, Eastern Washington football has reasons to celebrate. Wide receiver Efton Chism, coming off an outstanding season where he set a single-season record with 120 receptions, was named a first-team All-America by multiple organizations. Chism will also represent Eastern at the Hula Bowl in January.
As Eastern Washington navigates these changes in its football program, the community continues to rally behind the players and coaches. The future certainly holds promising opportunities and challenges.
