KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A new era of Eastern Oregon Football continues to gain momentum as the Mountaineers have earned votes in the final NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, putting the program back on the national radar. The NAIA Football National Selection Committee (NSC) will take over the rankings next week, determining the NAIA Football Top 15.

Eastern Oregon (5-1, 2-0 Frontier Conference) is off to its best start since 2021 under first-year Head Coach Solo Taylor, continuing to build momentum through the opening stretch of the season. The Mountaineers most recently delivered a thrilling 49-45 Homecoming victory over Southern Oregon in front of a packed crowd, adding another statement win to an impressive start.

Offensively, Eastern Oregon is averaging 41.33 points per game, 186.7 rushing yards per game, and 244.33 passing yards per game. The Mountaineers have also converted 20 of their 25 red-zone opportunities into scores, showcasing their ability to capitalize on scoring chances.

Defensively, EOU is holding opponents to 338.8 total yards per game, including 126.5 rushing yards and 213.3 passing yards per contest. The Mountaineers' balanced performance on both sides of the ball has helped fuel their 5-1 start and establish early momentum in Frontier Conference play.

The national recognition marks a significant milestone for the program, as Eastern Oregon last received votes in the NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll during the 2021 season. With a strong start under Taylor and an unblemished 2-0 record in conference play, the Mountaineers look to carry that momentum into the next stage of the season.

Eastern Oregon now faces its biggest challenge yet, heading to Caldwell, Idaho, this weekend for the I-84 rivalry matchup against No. 1-ranked College of Idaho. The highly anticipated showdown presents a major test for the Mountaineers as they look to build on their strong start, make a statement on the road, and continue their push toward national recognition.

The Frontier Conference was also represented by No.1 College of Idaho, No.5 Montana Tech, and No.11 Carroll, while Dakota State also received votes.