Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan to the Pros: Gunnar Oakes Finds His Stride with the Panthers
5/31/2025 11:00:00 AM | Football
The Michigan Panthers wrap up their regular season Saturday, May 31, at Ford Field
Complete Interview
DETROIT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — As the Michigan Panthers prepare for their final home game of the United Football League (UFL) regular season at Ford Field, tight end Gunnar Oakes is relishing the chance to play on a professional stage in a stadium that's just a short drive from where his football journey took root.
"I'm not sure I ever pictured this path," Oakes said. "But being here now, playing in Detroit, it feels right. I'm proud of how far I've come."
It's been a journey defined by quiet resilience and steady growth—both trademarks of the Swanton, Ohio, native's football career. Oakes spent five seasons at Eastern Michigan University, where he became a trusted target and a reliable blocker. He totaled 56 receptions for 621 yards and two touchdowns over his EMU career, capping it off with a breakout 2022 season featuring career highs in games played (12), catches (27), and receiving yards (279).
But it wasn't until he entered the professional ranks that Oakes began redefining his role—and reshaping his body.
"Coming out of college, I thought my best shot was to be that big, blocking tight end," Oakes said. "But after playing in the Panthers' system for a year, I saw how fast our offense was. I slimmed down, worked on becoming more of a receiving threat, and now I feel like it's all starting to come together."
That transformation has been noticeable this season. Oakes is second on the team in touchdown receptions and has seen a notable uptick in targets. For a player once pegged as a traditional, inline tight end, the evolution has been rewarding—and strategic.
"It's about finding where you fit, but also pushing that ceiling," he said. "This league has been great for that."
The UFL schedule and structure—based largely out of Texas with travel in and out of game markets like Detroit—has taken some adjusting.
"It's definitely unique," Oakes said. "Living in Texas and flying in for home games—it's not what you expect at first, but by year two, you start to get into the rhythm of it."
Back in Michigan, Oakes still draws inspiration from his time at EMU, especially under longtime Head Coach Chris Creighton.
"One of the biggest things I took from Coach Creighton was how to lead without having to say much," Oakes said. "I've never been the loudest guy in the room, but I try to lead by example. That's something he taught us—how to inspire others through action."
Oakes also carries the memory of the late Fred Reed, EMU's former defensive passing game coordinator and safeties coach, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022.
"He was a defensive coach, and I was on offense, but he made an impact on everybody," Oakes said. "He wasn't a big talker either, but you just knew how much he meant. Winning that bowl game my senior year, we all thought about him."
That bowl win—a long-awaited milestone for Eastern Michigan football—remains a defining moment for Oakes.
"Lighting up those cigars in the locker room—that's the first thing that comes to mind when I think about my time at Eastern," he said. "It was a celebration, but also a tribute."
Oakes isn't just playing for the present; he has his eye on the future. Playing inside the Lions' home stadium isn't lost on him.
"It's a tease being at Ford Field, knowing the next step is right there," Oakes said. "That's the dream—to make that jump. But I'm grateful for where I am right now."
As the Panthers make a final playoff push, Oakes had one message for the fans who have supported him since his college days.
"To Eastern Michigan, I'm always rooting for you guys—every fall I'm watching. And to Panthers fans, we've got three weeks left. We're going to get it done this year."
With unfinished business from last season's UFL Championship loss still fresh, Oakes is focused and hungry. And for those watching from Ypsilanti to Detroit, he's a living example of quiet determination—and what it means to represent EMU at the next level.
DETROIT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — As the Michigan Panthers prepare for their final home game of the United Football League (UFL) regular season at Ford Field, tight end Gunnar Oakes is relishing the chance to play on a professional stage in a stadium that's just a short drive from where his football journey took root.
"I'm not sure I ever pictured this path," Oakes said. "But being here now, playing in Detroit, it feels right. I'm proud of how far I've come."
It's been a journey defined by quiet resilience and steady growth—both trademarks of the Swanton, Ohio, native's football career. Oakes spent five seasons at Eastern Michigan University, where he became a trusted target and a reliable blocker. He totaled 56 receptions for 621 yards and two touchdowns over his EMU career, capping it off with a breakout 2022 season featuring career highs in games played (12), catches (27), and receiving yards (279).
But it wasn't until he entered the professional ranks that Oakes began redefining his role—and reshaping his body.
"Coming out of college, I thought my best shot was to be that big, blocking tight end," Oakes said. "But after playing in the Panthers' system for a year, I saw how fast our offense was. I slimmed down, worked on becoming more of a receiving threat, and now I feel like it's all starting to come together."
That transformation has been noticeable this season. Oakes is second on the team in touchdown receptions and has seen a notable uptick in targets. For a player once pegged as a traditional, inline tight end, the evolution has been rewarding—and strategic.
"It's about finding where you fit, but also pushing that ceiling," he said. "This league has been great for that."
The UFL schedule and structure—based largely out of Texas with travel in and out of game markets like Detroit—has taken some adjusting.
"It's definitely unique," Oakes said. "Living in Texas and flying in for home games—it's not what you expect at first, but by year two, you start to get into the rhythm of it."
Back in Michigan, Oakes still draws inspiration from his time at EMU, especially under longtime Head Coach Chris Creighton.
"One of the biggest things I took from Coach Creighton was how to lead without having to say much," Oakes said. "I've never been the loudest guy in the room, but I try to lead by example. That's something he taught us—how to inspire others through action."
Oakes also carries the memory of the late Fred Reed, EMU's former defensive passing game coordinator and safeties coach, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022.
"He was a defensive coach, and I was on offense, but he made an impact on everybody," Oakes said. "He wasn't a big talker either, but you just knew how much he meant. Winning that bowl game my senior year, we all thought about him."
That bowl win—a long-awaited milestone for Eastern Michigan football—remains a defining moment for Oakes.
"Lighting up those cigars in the locker room—that's the first thing that comes to mind when I think about my time at Eastern," he said. "It was a celebration, but also a tribute."
Oakes isn't just playing for the present; he has his eye on the future. Playing inside the Lions' home stadium isn't lost on him.
"It's a tease being at Ford Field, knowing the next step is right there," Oakes said. "That's the dream—to make that jump. But I'm grateful for where I am right now."
As the Panthers make a final playoff push, Oakes had one message for the fans who have supported him since his college days.
"To Eastern Michigan, I'm always rooting for you guys—every fall I'm watching. And to Panthers fans, we've got three weeks left. We're going to get it done this year."
With unfinished business from last season's UFL Championship loss still fresh, Oakes is focused and hungry. And for those watching from Ypsilanti to Detroit, he's a living example of quiet determination—and what it means to represent EMU at the next level.
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