Eastern Illinois University (EIU) distinguished itself by winning three Team Academic Achievement Awards from the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) for the 2025-26 academic year. These awards are given to teams with the highest percentage of eligible student-athletes achieving a GPA of 3.25 or higher. EIU’s men's soccer, softball, and women's golf teams excelled in this regard, contributing to EIU's reputation for academic excellence. Southeast Missouri State University led with a total of seven awards, followed by Lindenwood with four. Altogether, 11 institutions were recognized, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic achievement among OVC athletes.

By the Numbers
  • Southeast Missouri State University had over 75% of its student-athletes earn a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
  • A total of 1,766 OVC student-athletes were named to the Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Yes, But

While EIU achieved significant recognition, the leading institution in awards, Southeast Missouri, highlights a competitive academic environment. EIU's three awards, while notable, pale against the seven won by Southeast Missouri, emphasizing a broader distribution of academic success across the conference.

State of Play
  • Three of the OVC's 17 team achievement awards were secured by EIU, celebrating their athletes' academic success.
  • 11 different institutions received at least one team award, showcasing widespread academic excellence among member schools.
What's Next

Looking ahead, EIU aims to build on this academic success and could strive to enhance participation in other sports to maximize award potential. Increased emphasis on academic support for all teams may also boost future achievements.

Bottom Line

EIU's success in winning three Team Academic Achievement Awards reflects its commitment to student-athlete education, but that success also highlights the competitive landscape where other universities are excelling similarly. Continuous focus on academics is vital for maintaining and improving the university's standing in OVC athletics.