Eastern Michigan Eagles

Eastern Michigan enters 2026 with a rare luxury in the MAC: a returning starting quarterback. Noah Kim, in his fifth year and second as starter, threw for 2,817 yards with 18 touchdowns last season. He has his top three pass-catchers back, including second-team All-MAC tight end Joshua Long and third-team All-MAC receiver Nick Devereaux, who had 510 yards and seven touchdowns. The running game gets a boost from graduate transfer Braydon Bennett, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards at Coastal Carolina. This continuity should allow the offense to be a step ahead early, especially with center Nicholas Gallegos anchoring an experienced line.

The Eagles allowed a league-high 232.1 rushing yards per game last season, and the front seven must improve for EMU to contend for a bowl. Veteran end Carter Evans leads the line, and Jefferson Adam returns after missing all of 2025 with an injury. Linebacker Zach Mowchan, who has battled injuries the last two years, needs to stay healthy. The back end is deeper and more experienced, with second-team All-MAC safety Bryce Llewellyn (102 tackles) and versatile Barry Manning, but the defense will only go as far as the front seven allows.

Placekicker Rudy Kessinger returns after a solid season, connecting on 17 of 23 field goals, including 8 of 14 from beyond 40 yards. Punter Daniel Hull, who signed with Missouri out of high school, takes over in his third year with the program. In a season where every point matters, Kessinger's leg gives the Eagles a dependable scoring option and a chance to flip field position.

With a schedule that includes MAC newcomer Sacramento State, UMass, and FCS Lindenwood, Eastern Michigan needs to win those three games to have a realistic path to six wins. The Eagles must also find at least three more victories in MAC play, where their rushing defense will be tested weekly. The preseason outlook noted that making a bowl is an ambitious goal given roster turnover, but the returning experience on offense gives them a fighting chance.

Head coach Chris Creighton, now in his 13th season at EMU, is praised by opposing coaches for his game planning and defensive scheming. The Eagles are described as well-coached and sound defensively, even if not overly talented. Offensive coordinator Mike Piatkowski and co-defensive coordinators Tate Omli and Kasey Teegardin provide continuity. This stability, combined with a veteran quarterback and skill players, gives EMU a chance to exceed expectations if the front seven can hold up.