Spring football is in the books for Eastern Washington, and the Eagles are already looking ahead to a pivotal 2026 season. Friday night's Red-White game marked the end of 15 practice sessions, with the team now taking a breather before reconvening on July 28 for preseason camp.

This spring's finale was a far cry from the lopsided scrimmages earlier in the month. The Red-White game delivered a back-and-forth battle, with the offense punching in four touchdowns while the defense racked up points on key fourth-down stops. "Defense is usually ahead in any spring or fall," head coach Aaron Best said. "So it's nice to have a little back-and-forth affair."

Several key players sat out Friday as a precaution or to nurse spring injuries, but that just means more time to heal and prepare for a grueling schedule. The Eagles open on August 29 at Northern Arizona, kicking off a 12-game slate that features nine Big Sky Conference matchups.

After a month of practices and scrimmages, here are four major takeaways from Eastern Washington's spring camp:

1. The Quarterback Battle Is Far from Over
Nate Bell and Jake Schakel continue to trade blows for the starting QB job. Both saw significant action in 2025, and the coaching staff seems confident either can lead the offense this fall—but they bring very different skill sets.

Bell, a redshirt junior, is a dual-threat weapon. He led the team in both carries (118) and rushing yards (663) last season, though his 53% completion rate lagged behind Schakel's 69%. Schakel, a redshirt sophomore, is the more traditional pocket passer. His 43-of-63, 451-yard performance in a near-upset of Montana showcased his arm talent, even if he lacks Bell's mobility.

With four different quarterbacks starting last season, it's almost certain both Bell and Schakel—and possibly third-stringer Kaden Rolfsness—will see the field in 2026. Depth is a luxury, and the Eagles plan to use it.

2. Special Teams Are Getting Creative
Coach Best was candid all spring about the thin specialist room: just three players—long snapper Bennett Nield, kicker Soren McKee, and punter Luke Faccone—covering those roles. Best confirmed Friday that the team expects to add another kicker over the summer.

But until then, Eastern is getting resourceful. Wide receiver Trenton Swanson, a redshirt freshman transfer from Idaho, has been turning heads. Not only did he get plenty of reps at receiver, but he also consistently booted kickoffs into the end zone and even flashed the ability to hit field goals. Quarterback Nate Bell has also edged into special teams duty, adding another layer of versatility.

As Best put it, "If our specialists need a breather, we've got guys who can step in and make plays." That kind of flexibility could be a game-changer in tight conference matchups.

3. Defense Looks Poised to Dominate Again
The Eagles' defense was a bright spot all spring, and the Red-White game only reinforced that. Even with several starters sidelined, the unit generated consistent pressure and forced multiple fourth-down stops. Best noted that the defense is "usually ahead" this time of year, but the cohesion and depth on that side of the ball feel different this season.

With nine Big Sky games on the schedule, a stingy defense will be essential. If spring is any indication, Eastern Washington's defensive unit is ready to carry the load early while the offense finds its rhythm.

4. Depth Will Be Tested Early
Between injuries, position changes, and the ongoing QB competition, the Eagles are still figuring out their rotation. The good news? Spring camp revealed a roster with more versatility than expected. Players like Swanson are stepping into multiple roles, and the coaching staff isn't afraid to mix and match.

The key now is health and development over the summer break. When the Eagles return in late July, they'll need to hit the ground running—literally. The season opener at Northern Arizona is less than four months away, and every rep from spring camp will matter.

For fans, the takeaway is clear: Eastern Washington is deeper, more adaptable, and more competitive than last year. Whether it's Bell or Schakel under center, or Swanson booting field goals, this team has the pieces to make noise in the Big Sky. Now it's just a matter of putting it all together when the lights come on.