RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football program has named six captains ahead of the 2026 season.
 
Junior linebacker Kaden Smith, senior running back Brayden Latham, senior wide receiver Jackson House, fifth-year defensive back Jeffrey Kinley, sophomore linebacker Cam Jessee and fifth-year offensive lineman Antonio Gaines will serve as captains for the Colonels this fall.
 
Eastern Kentucky's 2026 team captains were voted on by their peers, and is one of the highest individual honors not only of the preseason, but in a Colonels' entire career.
 
Smith enters the 2026 season as one of 30 players across the FCS named to the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List. The award is presented annually to the top defensive player in the subdivision.
 
Smith was also named the United Athletic Conference Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and earned Preseason All-UAC honors.
 
Latham also enters the season with Preseason All-UAC honors after leading Eastern Kentucky's running backs with 667 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2025. The Gadsden, Alabama, native also earned Phil Steele Third Team All-UAC honors last season.
 
Jessee enters 2026 looking to continue his family's legacy with Colonel football after totaling 31 tackles and two tackles for loss last season. He recorded a season-high seven tackles twice, doing so against Tarleton State and Utah Tech in conference play.
 
House recorded three receptions for 86 yards last season, highlighted by a 55-yard catch against Abilene Christian. Gaines started 10 games along the offensive line, while Kinley, a Richmond native, recorded eight tackles in the secondary.
 
Eastern Kentucky opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Western Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.