Offense
The quarterback position will be manned by fifth year senior Noah Kim. He is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the Mid-American Conference. Last season, he threw for 2,817 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. With a lot of his receiving core back, Kim could have a solid final season.
The running back room will feature two transfers. The additions of Malachi James (Syracuse) and Braydon Bennett (Virginia Tech) are massive. Bennett previously played at Coastal Carolina with Noah Kimand ran for almost 2,000 yards in four years.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Nick Devereaux, Benson Prosper, Antonio Floyd, Joey Mattord, Mekhi Fox, Harold Mack, and tight end Joshua Long. Both Devereaux and Long were All-MAC performers last season. Mack has a ton of potential as well. He had a 179-yard game last season against Miami (OH).
The offensive line room returns experience in Nicholas Gallegos, Joshua Anderson, and Dennis Strey Jr. The additions of Tyler McMillan (Illinois), Guzzy Kayed (St Francis), Cole Dellinger (Michigan State), Elijah Payne (Delaware State), and Tyler Brumfield (Oklahoma State) are massive.
Defense
The defensive line room must improve against the run. EMU allowed 232.1 rushing yards per game last season, worst in the MAC. Carter Evans and Jefferson Adam, among others, return. The additions of Joseph Oluwayemi (D2 Harding) and Peyton Christian (Lamar) provide added depth.
The linebacker room returns the team’s leading tackler in Barry Manning. He can make plays all over the field, as well as at safety. Zach Mowchan returns from injury and is joined by Ja’Quel Mack and Bryce Eliuk.
The secondary returns experience in Bryce Llewellyn (All-MAC), Caleb Coley, Caleb Dobbs, Jaivion Norman, Jason Marshall, and Juan Salas, among others. This was the best unit on defense last season and will continue to be this season.
Specialists
Kicker Rudy Kessinger returns after a solid season. Akron transfer Adam Samaha joins him. Daniel Hull will handle the punting duties.
2026 Schedule
- 8/29 Sacramento State
- 9/4 San Jose State
- 9/12 at Michigan State
- 9/19 at Wisconsin
- 9/26 Lindenwood
- 10/3 at UMass
- 10/10 at Akron
- 10/17 Toledo
- 10/24 at Ohio
- 11/4 vs Central Michigan in Detroit, MI
- 11/17 at Western Michigan
- 11/24 Kent State
Final Analysis
Chris Creighton is on the most underrated coaches in college football. What he has done at Eastern Michigan is so impressive. His attention to detail is top notch. The offense should score points, while the defense must do better against the run. A return to a bowl game is within reach.
