EMU is Motor City MACtion Ready for Nov. 4 - Eastern Michigan University Athletics

Football vs. Central Michigan - MOTOR CITY MACTION
Date	Wednesday, Nov. 4 \| 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue	Ford Field \| 65,000 \| Detroit, Mich.
Preview Info	EMU Notes (PDF) \| Media Guide (PDF) \| Press Conference Video
Watch \| Stats	ESPN 2 \| Live Stats
Listen	WEMU (89.1 WEMU-FM) \| The Varsity Network App \| SiriusXM
Follow Us	@EMUFB \| @EMUAthletics
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DETROIT (EMUEagles.com) -- After an 11-day break from competition, the Eastern Michigan University football team returns to the field for a midweek, Mid-American Conference (commonly dubbed "#MACtion") match up against Central Michigan University Wednesday, Nov. 4. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. inside Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions and the 2027 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four. EMU (4-5, 3-2 MAC) hopes to get back on track after a heartbreaking, 24-20 setback at the hands of Ohio, Oct. 24. After the Eagles covered 98 yards in eight plays to take a 20-17 lead, the Bobcats returned a kickoff 100 yards with 3:40 left. Eastern reached Ohio's four-yard line late, but the Bobcats made four goal-line stops to preserve the win and extend their home winning streak to 17 games. Meanwhile, CMU (3-5, 1-3 MAC) has dropped three consecutive games, including a 28-27 loss to Miami, Oct. 24.

TUNE IN
The Mid-American Conference clash between EMU and Central Michigan will be aired live on ESPN2. The Voice of the Eagles, Tom Helmer, is back on the air with play-by-play calls on WEMU (89.1 FM) with Rob Rubick joining him in the booth to break down all the action that can be heard live on WEMU.org, The Varsity Network app, and SiriusXM.

HISTORY LESSON
The football rivalry between EMU and Central Michigan is the longest-running rivalry between any two schools in the Mid-American Conference. It is also the second-longest running series within the state of Michigan, trailing only the Michigan-Michigan State series, which has been played 118 times. Furthermore, it is tied for the 85th most-played game at any level of college football.

MOST PLAYED MAC SERIES
EMU-CMU: 103 games (CMU leads 65-32-6)
Miami-Ohio: 102 games (Miami leads 56-44-2)
CMU-WMU: 97 games (WMU leads 55-40-2)
Kent State-BGSU: 93 games (BGSU leads 62-25-6)
BGSU-Toledo: 90 games (Toledo leads 43-43-4)
Toledo-WMU: 80 games (Toledo leads 47-33)
BGSU-Miami: 79 games (Miami leads 48-26-5)
Kent State-Miami: 71 games (Miami leads 53-18)
Akron-Kent State: 69 games (Akron leads 37-30-2)
Miami-WMU: 65 games (Miami leads 39-25-1)

BATTLE FOR THE MICHIGAN MAC TROPHY
EMU's first game against an in-state rival means the beginning of its quest for the "Michigan MAC Trophy." Given annually to one of the Michigan-based, Mid-American Conference institutions (EMU, WMU, CMU), the trophy is awarded to the team that has the best head-to-head record against the others. It is one of just two regularly-awarded trophies between three teams (the other is the Commander-in-Chief's trophy between Army, Navy, and Air Force). Originating in 2005, EMU has claimed ownership five times (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2022).

WHAT IS MOTOR CITY MACtion?
Motor City MACtion is a football partnership between Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan to play their annual Mid-American Conference game at Ford Field in Detroit. Beginning Nov. 4, 2026, the two schools will bring midweek college football to an indoor NFL stadium while engaging alumni, increasing brand visibility, attracting prospective students, and strengthening their presence in the Detroit area. The schools will split the cost of hosting the first two games, with the goal of building a long-term neutral-site rivalry similar to the Texas-Oklahoma and Florida-Georgia match-ups.

Additionally, the Motor City MACtion Fan Challenge will allow fans to help compete for bragging rights through fan engagement, attendance, and community service. A key component of the competition is food donations, giving fans a direct opportunity to help EMU make an impact in the community.

DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME
Eastern Michigan owns a 19-16 MAC record in November since 2016. The program sits in the top half of the league in late-season performance during that stretch, tying for fifth with rival Central Michigan. Wins often come during the final push, and four victories have arrived in the regular season finale. Close games also appear frequently as nine November contests since 2019 have finished within one score. The EMU defense also has stepped up, allowing 24 points or fewer in nine games during November wins.

MAC Records In November Since 2016 (as of 10/25/26)
1. Miami • 25-8 (.758)
2. Ohio • 26-10 (.722)
3. Toledo • 24-13 (.649)
4. Western Michigan • 22-15 (.595)
t5. Eastern Michigan • 19-16 (.543)
t5. Central Michigan • 19-16 (.543)
7. Buffalo • 17-18 (.486)
8. Northern Illinois • 19-21 (.475)
9. Bowling Green • 16-21 (.432)
10. Kent State • 13-23 (.361)
11. Ball State • 11-25 (.306)
12. Akron • 8-24 (.267)
13. UMass • 0-4 (.000)

ALL-TIME VERSUS THE CHIPPEWAS
This week marks the 104th meeting between Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan, a rivalry that began on Nov. 1, 1902, with a 10-0 Chippewa win in Mount Pleasant. CMU leads the all-time series, 65-32-6. The teams have alternated victories over the last five seasons. CMU earned a 24-13 win in Mount Pleasant in 2025, while Eastern won 38-34 at home on Homecoming in 2024. EMU's most recent win before that came in 2022 with a 38-19 decision in Ypsilanti. EMU has not earned back-to-back wins in the series since 2007 and 2008, when they followed a 48-45 road win with a 56-52 home triumph.

LAST TIME VERSUS THE CHIPPEWAS
Angel Flores rushed for 137 yards and threw a touchdown pass, while Nahree Biggins added 115 rushing yards and a touchdown to lead Central Michigan to a 24-13 win over Eastern Michigan in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams, Sept. 27, 2025. Joe Labas opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Brock Townsend before Biggins broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run. Flores later connected with Langston Lewis on a 2-yard touchdown pass to give the Chippewas a 21-3 lead. Eastern Michigan cut the deficit to 21-13 on Noah Kim's 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but Central Michigan held on for the win.

LAST WIN OVER CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Cole Snyder accounted for four touchdowns, including a game-winning quarterback sneak in the final minute, to lead EMU to a 38-34 comeback win over Central Michigan on Oct. 19, 2024. The Eagles rallied from an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit with 22 unanswered points, fueled by Snyder's touchdown passes of 49 and 30 yards to Terry Lockett Jr. Snyder finished with 300 passing yards, while Markus Allen added 140 receiving yards and a touchdown. Delbert Mims III rushed for 90 yards, helping set up the decisive score. Central Michigan's Marion Lukes rushed for 118 yards, while the Chippewas scored twice on defense to build their early lead.

HISTORIC OUTINGS
Ahead of the 2026 season, the Eagles have numerous entries into the NCAA FBS Record Book with three coming in games played against Central Michigan. Individually, the Nov. 28, 2008, game in Ypsilanti saw the Eagles set the standard for pass completions (Andy Schmitt, 58) and receptions (Tyler Jones, 23), while the 58 completions also stand as the most by a team. As a team, the series went into overtime for three consecutive years, marking the longest streak in any series in the FBS. The streak opened Nov. 6, 2004, with a 61-58 (4OT) win for the Eagles at Ford Field before EMU took a 23-20 (OT) win at CMU, Sept. 24, 2005. The third consecutive game ended with a 24-17 (OT) win for CMU in Ypsilanti, Sept. 23, 2006.

LAST TIME VERSUS CMU AT FORD FIELD
Eastern Michigan outlasted Central Michigan, 61-58, in four overtimes, Nov. 6, 2004, at Ford Field. Andrew Wellock delivered the game-winning 24-yard field goal in the fourth overtime after connecting on a 50-yard field goal in the second overtime to keep EMU alive. The Eagles totaled 551 yards of offense, including 367 passing yards from Matt Bohnet, who completed 31 of 54 attempts with four touchdowns. Eric Deslauriers caught 14 passes for 207 yards, scoring all four of Bohnet's touchdown passes. EMU overcame an early 14-0 deficit and rallied again in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The victory gave Eastern Michigan its first season sweep of Central Michigan and Western Michigan since 1986.

DOME, SWEET, DOME
Eastern Michigan has had a long-standing relationship with Ford Field as the Eagles previous hosted games in the venue from 2004 to 2007. The inaugural Collegiate Clash was held, Nov. 6, 2004, when the Eagles recorded a 61-58 four-overtime victory over MAC West Division rival Central Michigan. That first year's game was also part of a doubleheader with Wayne State and Hillsdale squaring off in the opener. Collegiate Clash II went to a single-game format with EMU dropping a 44-36 decision to MAC West Division rival Western Michigan, Nov. 5, 2005. The Eagles hosted Navy in 2006 and the team's last contest in Motown was in 2007 against Northwestern University.

EMU held an open practice in the venue in the spring of 2016 with hundreds in the stands, which also serves as the site of the league's annual championship game. EMU's last appearance in the venue came at the 2019 Quick Lane Bowl against Pittsburgh, Dec. 26, when Eastern help set the bowl's attendance record with 34,765 fans turning out to see the Panthers score a touchdown with 47 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to take the victory.

LAST TIME AT FORD FIELD
Eastern Michigan suffered a heartbreaking 34-30 loss to Pittsburgh in the 2019 Quick Lane Bowl, surrendering the lead with just 47 seconds remaining. The Eagles appeared poised for their second bowl victory in program history when Chad Ryland drilled a 48-yard field goal with six minutes left to put EMU ahead, 30-27. After the defense forced a three-and-out, Jake Julien's 54-yard punt pinned Pitt at its own 9-yard line with 2:43 remaining. The Panthers responded with a 91-yard touchdown drive, capped by Kenny Pickett's 25-yard scoring pass to Taysir Mack with 47 seconds on the clock. EMU mounted one final push, converting a third-and-14 with a 19-yard completion from Mike Glass III to Hassan Beydoun, but the Eagles ran out of time. Glass finished with 394 yards of total offense, including 311 passing yards, two touchdown passes and a rushing score. Beydoun posted career highs with nine catches for 113 yards. EMU outgained Pitt on the ground, 127-96, and held advantages in first downs (27-22) and time of possession (34:09-25:51), but the late defensive breakdown overshadowed a strong overall performance. The game drew 34,765 fans to Ford Field, setting a Quick Lane Bowl attendance record.

EAGLES IN NFL VENUES
Eastern will make its 10th appearance in an NFL stadium when the Eagles face CMU at Ford Field. EMU is 1-8 in the nine previous games, with its lone victory coming against the Chippewas in the inaugural Collegiate Clash at Ford Field, Nov. 6, 2004. One of the most memorable games in program history, the Eagles outlasted CMU, 61-58, in four overtimes to earn the victory. EMU also played at Illinois' Memorial Stadium in 2019, when the venue had previously hosted Chicago Bears games, and Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium in 2023, which served as the Vikings' home in 2014-15.

RUSHING D SHOWS SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT
Eastern has made substantial strides defensively in 2026, particularly against the run. Through nine games, the Eagles are allowing just 136.4 rushing yards per game, down nearly 96 yards per game from the 232.1 yards allowed per contest in 2025. Opponents are averaging 4.3 yards per carry this season, compared to 5.5 a year ago, while rushing touchdowns allowed have dropped from 29 in 12 games in 2025 to 11 through nine games in 2026.

RUSHING D AMONG NATION'S MOST IMPROVED
Eastern Michigan has cut its opponent rushing average by 95.7 yards per game, dropping from 232.1 yards allowed per game in 2025 to 136.4 in 2026. The 95.7-yard improvement ranks tops nationally.

	Team	2025 YPG	2026 YPG	DIFF
1.	Eastern Michigan	232.1	136.4	-95.7
2.	Baylor	197.3	104.1	-93.2
3.	Utah	181.2	88.3	-92.9
4.	UConn	199.5	107.6	-91.9
5.	UCLA	190.4	90.4	-90.4

EMU LIMITS MAC'S TOP RUSHING OFFENSE
Eastern held Ohio, the MAC's top rushing offense at 207.0 yards per game, to 90 yards on 25 carries. The Bobcats averaged 3.6 yards per carry. The 90-yard performance marked the first time in the modern statistical era (dating back to 1995) that EMU had held Ohio below 100 rushing yards. Ohio has been held under 100 yards rushing only twice since 2023, totaling 68 yards against Ohio State in 2025 and 50 yards against Miami in 2023.

TIGHT END RECORD WATCH • PART II
Joshua Long is on pace to challenge the program's modern-era single-season receptions record for a tight end, dating to 1995. Long has 42 catches, which leads all FBS tight ends, through nine games, two shy of Tyreese Russell's record of 44 set in 2013. Averaging 4.67 receptions per game, Long is on pace for 56 catches over a 12-game regular season. Long also ranks second in career receptions among EMU tight ends since 1995 with 79, five ahead of Garrett Hoskins' 74 and 22 behind Russell's career record of 101. With three regular season games remaining, Long is on pace to finish with 93 career receptions, eight shy of Russell's mark.

Single Season Receptions by a TE since 1995
1. Tyreese Russell (2013) • 44 receptions
2. Joshua Long (2026) • 42
3. Tyreese Russell (2014) • 39
3. Garrett Hoskins (2012) • 38
5. Joshua Long (2025) • 37
6. Nigel Kilby (2016) • 34
t7. Cody Tuttle (2015) • 33
t7. Ryan Wheatley (1995) • 33
9. Josh Leduc (2008) • 32
10 Ben Thayer (2010) • 30

Career Receptions by a TE since 1995
1. Tyreese Russell (2011-14) • 101 receptions
2. Joshua Long (2025-pres.) • 79
3. Garrett Hoskins (2009-12) • 74
4. Kevin Zureki (2000-03) • 69
5. Ben Thayer (2009-10) • 59
6. Ryan Wheatley (1993-95) • 57
7. Gunnar Oakes (2018-22) • 56
8. Matt Kelly (1998-00) • 55
9. Josh Leduc (2007-10) • 54
10. Bryson Cannon (2019-21) • 49

TIGHT END RECORD WATCH • PART II
Joshua Long has accumulated 740 yards and five touchdowns in just under two seasons with the Eastern Michigan program with both ranking among the top of the program's lists. In the modern statistical era (since 1995), Long ranks fifth in yardage and tied for sixth for scoring grabs and will look to climb higher before the 2026 season ends.

Career Yards by a TE since 1995
1. Tyreese Russell (2011-14) • 1,417 yards
2. Garrett Hoskins (2009-12) • 1,130 yards
3. Kevin Zureki (2000-03) • 819 yards
4. Ryan Wheatley (1993-95) • 766 yards
5. Joshua Long (2025-pres.) • 740 yards
6. Bryson Cannon (2019-21) • 662 yards
7. Josh Leduc (2007-10) • 650 yards
8. Ben Thayer (2009-10) • 647 yards
9. Matt Kelly (1998-00) • 632 yards
10. Gunnar Oakes (2018-22) • 621 yards

Career TD Receptions by a TE since 1995
1. Tyreese Russell (2011-14) • 11 touchdowns
t2. Garrett Hoskins (2009-12) • 8
t2. Kevin Zureki (2000-03) • 8
4. Bryson Cannon (2019-21) • 7
5. Ryan Wheatley (1993-95) • 6
t6. Joshua Long (2025-pres.) • 5
t6. Josh Leduc (2007-10) • 5
t6. Ben Thayer (2009-10) • 5
t6. Matt Kelly (1998-00) • 5
10. three tied with 4

LONG JOINS EMU TIGHT-END ELITE
Joshua Long caught nine passes for 114 yards in EMU's 25-23 win at Akron, Oct. 10, tying the program's single-game receptions record for a tight end. His 114 yards tied for fifth among FBS tight ends in 2026, matching Eli Finley of Louisiana Tech. Long became the first EMU tight end to record a 100-yard receiving game since Tyreese Russell in 2014. He also recorded EMU's second 100-yard receiving game of the season, joining Benson Prosper (109 yards vs. Lindenwood).

EMU TEs with 100-Yard Receiving Games Since 1995*
Player • Opponent (Date) • Receptions-Yards
Garrett Hoskins • Army (10/22/12) • 7-158
Joshua Long • at Akron (10/10/26) • 9-114
Tyreese Russell • at Ball State (11/22/14) • 8-113
Garrett Hoskins • Toledo (10/13/12) • 7-103
Garrett Hoskins • at Michigan State (9/22/12) • 89-102

EMU IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS
Eastern Michigan ranks seventh nationally and first in the MAC with seven fumbles recovered and two defensive touchdowns. The Eagles also rank 18th nationally in first downs (177), 15th in fewest penalties per game (4.78) and 14th in fewest penalty yards per game (41.00). On special teams, EMU ranks ninth nationally with one blocked punt.

Individually, quarterback Noah Kim ranks 31st nationally with 1,678 passing yards and 19th in completions per game (21.13). Defensive back Caleb Dobbs ranks 28th in passes defended per game and 41st with two interceptions. Kicker Rudy Kessinger ranks 54th in field goal percentage (.786) and has scored 54 points. Quincy Byas is among the MAC leaders with a fumble recovery and ranks 84th nationally in sacks per game (0.50).

STAYING CLEAN
Through nine games, Eastern remains one of the more disciplined teams in the nation as the Eagles rank 15th in the FBS for fewest penalties called at 4.78 per contest while ranking 14th in penalty yards per game at 41.0.

HULL AMONG NATION'S TOP PUNTERS
Daniel Hull ranks 21st nationally in the FBS and third in the MAC with a 44.8-yard average through nine games. He is averaging at least 42.0 yards per punt in all nine games. He has averaged 44.8 yards on 38 punts, with a season-high 53.0-yard average at Massachusetts and 50.0 yards at Akron. Hull has averaged 46.8 yards or better in each of his last four games, including 48.1 yards on seven punts at Ohio. He has totaled 1,701 punting yards, with eight punts of 50 yards or longer and 12 downed inside the 20-yard line.

KESSINGER CLIMBING
Rudy Kessinger had another perfect kicking day with the Eagles played at Ohio (Oct. 24) as he converted both of his field goal attempts and added two PATs to give him eight points in the game. With those points, he brought his career totals to 28 field goals and 49 extra points for 133 career points, which has him ranked 17th all-time in program history. Additionally, he ranks 11th on the career PATs list with his 49 conversions leaving him one away from becoming just the 11th placekicker to reach 50 in his time with EMU. Finally, his 28 field goals places him ninth on the career ledger and leaves him two shy of becoming the ninth EMU player to score 30 in a career.

KESSINGER PERFECT ON FOUR
Rudy Kessinger delivered one of the most efficient kicking performances in Eastern Michigan history at Akron, Oct. 10, going 4-for-4 on field goals and adding an extra point for 13 of EMU's 25 points in the 25-23 victory. Kessinger set career highs in field goals made, surpassing his previous best of three, and tied the second-highest single-game total in program history. Since 1995, Kessinger is only the fourth EMU kicker to make at least four field goals in a game without a miss. Chad Ryland accomplished the feat twice, including a program-record five field goals against Western Michigan on Nov. 16, 2021. Ryland also went 4-for-4 at WMU on Dec. 5, 2020, while Andrew Wellock made four against Western Illinois on Sept. 4, 2003. Kessinger's performance marked the first perfect four-field-goal game by an Eagle in nearly five years.

PUTTING IN THE WORK
EMU has been grinding from the moment the 2026 season began, opening in Week 0 against Sacramento State and now pushing through eight straight weeks of football without a bye. EMU and USC are the only FBS teams carrying such a stretch, with the Trojans getting their first break Oct. 17 while the Eagles keep playing until their Nov. 14 bye, following the Nov. 4 Central Michigan game at Ford Field. The grind gets even tougher when measured by time at home. EMU will go 38 days between true home games in Ypsilanti, from Oct. 17 against Toledo to Nov. 24 against Kent State. Nationally, only Syracuse faces a comparable stretch, with 35 days between home games from Sept. 12 through Oct. 17.

TAKEAWAYS TELL THE STORY UNDER CREIGHTON
Eastern Michigan is 44-18 when winning the turnover margin under Chris Creighton since 2014, including a 14-1 mark when winning the margin by two or more. The Eagles are 21-70 when tying or losing the turnover margin during the same span. Since 2014, EMU is 2-28 when finishing -2 or worse in turnover margin.

FUMBLE... AGAIN!
The second quarter of the Ohio game (Oct. 24) saw Eastern Michigan force a pair of Bobcat fumbles on back-to-back drives, marking the first time since Oct. 19, 2024, at home against Central Michigan they Eagles recovered multiple fumbles in the same game. Since 1995, Eastern has recovered multiple fumbles in the same game 66 times.

STRIP SACK SPECIAL
Early in the second quarter at Ohio (Oct. 24), Eastern Michigan tallied its first touchdown with the defense finding the end zone on its second strip-sack touchdown of the year. Eastern, who scored against San Jose State (Sept. 4) when Ronn Hardin knocked the ball loose and Bryce Llewellyn out-ran a Spartan to fall on the ball in the end zone for the score, added its second in 2026 when Alijah Lacey came around the edge and popped the ball loose, sending it flying into the air. The ball was plucked from the air by Aaron Kearse, a first-year player, who ran 25 yards for the score. The strip sack was the first of Lacey's career while Kearse recorded his first career fumble recovery and touchdown.

RARE AIR • PART I
Dating back to the start of official statistical records at EMU in 1967, Eastern has scored multiple fumble recovery touchdowns in the same season only twice with the first coming in 1995. That year, Eastern hit the road and played at Akron (Sept. 2, 1995) where Kwesi Ramsey and Mike Thomas recorded touchdowns on fumble recoveries with the duo returning the ball 45 and 60 yards, respectively.

RARE AIR • PART II
Since 1967, Eastern Michigan has recorded 13 fumble recoveries for touchdowns with 10 covering over 20 yards, including the 25-yard run by Aaron Kearse at Akron (Oct. 24). Additionally, the Kearse score marked the third-latest game an Eastern player has scored on a fumble recovery behind Mark Lee Jr.'s 61-yard score at home against Northern Illinois on Dec. 12, 2020, and Maxx Crosby's 14-yard score at Central Michigan on Nov. 8, 2017.

RARE AIR • PART III
Of the 13 fumbles returned for touchdowns by Eastern Michigan (since 1967), only two opponents have surrendered multiple scores with Ohio becoming the second after Derrick Hunter ran 80 yards at Ohio on Oct. 13, 2007. The only other team Eastern has scored multiple fumble recovery touchdowns against is Akron as James Willingham scored on a 79-yard return at home against the Zips, Sept. 25, 1999, after Mike Thomas (60 yards) and Kwesi Ramsey (45) both scored at Akron, Sept. 2, 1995.

THE YPSI 500
Eastern Michigan secured its 500th all-time victory with its 28-17 win over visiting Sacramento State, Aug. 29, inside Rynearson Stadium for both team's season and Mid-American Conference opener. Standing 4-5 this year following their loss at Ohio (Oct. 24), 24-20, the Eagles hold a record of 503-642-47 all-time with their victory over Sacramento State, making them the 111th different FBS program to reach the 500-win milestone.

GOING LIVE ON YEAR 135
The 2026 season marks the 135th varsity campaign for Eastern Michigan and its 51st as a member of the Mid-American Conference. EMU, then known as Michigan State Normal School, played its first game, Oct. 21, 1891, and has played at least two games every calendar year since then with the exception of 1944 (World War II).

KICKOFF EFFICIENCY
Nathan Dibert has significantly improved his kickoff touchback rate in 2026, recording touchbacks on 29 of 37 kickoffs (78.4 percent) through eight games, up from 31 of 60 (51.7 percent) in 2025. His 26.7 percentage-point improvement has produced 29 touchbacks in eight games, nearly matching his 2025 season total of 31 in 12 games. Dibert has also kept all 37 kickoffs in bounds this season.

TURNOVER TROUBLE, VICTORY ANYWAY
Eastern Michigan overcame a minus-2 turnover margin to edge Akron, 25-23, Oct. 10, earning its first one-possession victory despite losing the turnover battle since a 20-13 win over Massachusetts, Oct. 1, 2022. Since 1995, EMU is 18-34 (.346) in games decided by eight points or fewer when finishing with a negative turnover margin.

BREAKING THE SEAL
Heading into the game at Wisconsin (Sept. 19), Eastern had been held scoreless in the opening quarter of its first three games. That run ended against the Badgers with a touchdown scored on the team's first offensive possession of the game. Eastern followed the same recipe against Lindenwood (Sept. 26) as the defense held the Lions off the board on their opening drive before marching down the field and scoring a touchdown, this time with Amareon Blue punching it in from two-yards out. The Eagles kept the script unchanged at UMass as the Minutemen punted on their opening drive before EMU scored on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Noah Kim to Isaac Kozy. Against Akron, the Eagles scored on their opening drive with a Rudy Kessinger 23-yard field goal, but allowed an Akron touchdown on its first possession.

BACK ON THE LIST
In the third quarter of the game at Akron (Oct. 10), Eli Lovett shot the gap and blocked an Akron punt with Marvell Eggleston recovering the ball to set up an Eastern field goal. The block was the 27th by Eastern under Chris Creighton and its first since Nov. 13, 2024, when the Eagles blocked a 31-yard field goal attempt by Ohio. The punt was the 11th blocked in that time and the first since Sept. 21, 2024, at home against St. Francis (Pa.)

UPPER HALF
Since 2016, Eastern has posted 62 wins, which ranks as the sixth-most victories of any team in the MAC.
86 • Toledo
84 • Ohio
75 • Western Michigan
72 • Miami
65 • Buffalo
62 • Eastern Michigan
58 • Central Michigan
47 • Ball State
42 • Bowling Green
38 • Kent State
33 • Akron
22 • UMass
1 • Sacramento State
* updated through 10/24/26

SINGLE SCORES
Since the start of the 2016 season, Eastern is tied for third with Iowa State nationally with 65 one-score games played, sitting behind Northern Illinois (67) and Texas (66).
1. Northern Illinois - 67 (31-36)
2. Texas - 66 (31-35)
3. Eastern Michigan - 65 (31-34)
4. Iowa State - 64 (29-35)
5. Nebraska - 62 (19-43)
6. North Carolina - 60 (26-34)
7. Kansas State - 59 (27-32)
t-8. Army - 58 (33-25)
t-8. Tulsa - 58 (25-33)
t-10. California - 57 (25-32)
t-10. TCU - 57 (28-29)
t-10. Navy - 57 (28-29)
updated through games played 10/24/26

HOLD ON TO YOUR RED POP
Close games have become the norm for EMU, and the Eagles have made a habit of winning them. The 25-23 victory at Akron marked EMU's 28th game decided by three points or fewer since 2016, the ninth-most among FBS programs during that span. Yet EMU's 16-12 record in those games, a .571 winning percentage, ranks third among the 11 FBS teams with at least 28 such contests. Only Navy (.655) and Northern Illinois (.643) have posted a better winning percentage.
1. Iowa State - 33 (16-17, .485)
2. Stanford - 31 (17-14, .548)
t-3. Iowa - 30 (15-15, .500)
t-3. North Carolina - 30 (15-15, .500)
t-3. TCU - 30 (15-15, .500)
t-3. Washington State - 30 (12-18, .400)
t-3. Western Kentucky - 30 (13-17, .433)
t-8. Navy - 29 (19-10, .655)
t-9. Eastern Michigan - 28 (16-12, .571)
t-9. Wyoming - 28 (14-14, .500)
t-9. Northern Illinois - 28 (18-10, .643)
updated through games played 10/24/26

ADDED TO THE LIST • STARTERS
In the past five games, nine players have earned their first career starts with seven coming on offense and two on defense. In the Akron game (Oct. 10), Antonio Floyd earned his first career start at wide receiver while Braydon Bennett earned his first state with Eastern Michigan after having started 22 times previously for Coastal Carolina. Kozy Isaac got the starting call at wide receiver against UMass (Oct. 3). Prior to Isaac, two players earned their first starts against Lindenwood as Richardo Wournman earned a start on the offensive line while Davion Williams was on the field for the defense. In the game at Wisconsin (Sept. 19), Dalin Wilkins lined up at wide receiver on the team's first offensive possession while Elgin McDuffey earned his first start at linebacker. One week earlier at Michigan State (Sept. 12), the right side of the offensive line featured a pair of Eagles that made their first career starts as Dennis Strey, Jr., took over at right guard and first-year player Samuel Adjin lined up at right tackle.

STARTER REPEATED
With Noah Kim earning the starting nod against Sacramento State (Aug. 29), the Eagles had the same starting quarterback in back-to-back season-opening games for the first time under Chris Creighton since Preston Hutchinson in 2020 and 2021. Kim also became just the third player to open consecutive seasons as QB1 under Creighton with Reginald Bell becoming the first in 2014 and 2015.

Game 1 Starting Quarterbacks Under Creighton
2026 - Noah Kim
2025 - Noah Kim
2024 - Cole Snyder
2023 - Austin Smith
2022 - Taylor Powell
2021 - Preston Hutchinson
2020 - Preston Hutchinson
2019 - Mike Glass
2018 - Tyler Wiegers
2017 - Brogan Roback
2016 - Todd Porter
2015 - Reginald Bell
2014 - Reginald Bell

ONE BY LAND AND TWO BY AIR
In the opener with Sacramento State (Aug. 29), Noah Kim finished the game with two passing touchdowns and added one more on the ground to mark the third time he has accomplished the feat in his career with all three coming with the Eagles in MAC games. Overall, his three such games are tied for the fourth-most among EMU quarterbacks since the start of the 1995 season with Mike Glass III (2018-19) leading the way with five and both Alex Gillett (2010-12) and Preston Hutchinson (2019-20) tied for second with four. When counting only MAC games, Kim's three games are tied for second with Andy Schmitt (2007-08), Gillett, and Brogan Roback (2015-17) while Hutchinson leads with four.

2+ pass/1+ rush TD (since 1995) – All Games
Mike Glass III (2018-19) – 5 games
Alex Gillett (2010-12) – 4 games
Preston Hutchinson (2019-20) – 4 games
Noah Kim (2025-present) – 3 games
Andy Schmitt (2007-08) – 3 games
Brogan Roback (2015-17) – 3 games

2+ pass/1+ rush TD (since 1995) – MAC Games ONLY
Preston Hutchinson (2019-20) – 4 games
Noah Kim (2025-present) – 3 games
Andy Schmitt (2007-08) – 3 games
Alex Gillett (2010-12) - 3 games
Brogan Roback (2015-17) - 3 games

ONE AND ONE
Along with his propensity to score on the ground and added multiple passing touchdowns, Noah Kim also ranks highly (since 1995) among EMU quarterbacks with at least one passing and one rushing touchdown in the same game as he recorded his seventh with one of each at Akron (Oct. 10). His seven career games with EMU are the third-highest with Mike Glass III leading the way with 10.

1+ pass/1+ rush TD (since 1995) – All Games
Mike Glass III (2018-19) – 10 games
Alex Gillett (2010-12) – 8 games
Noah Kim (2025-present) – 7 games
Andy Schmitt (2007-08) – 6 games

STEPPING IN
Brogan McCaughey saw his first action for the Eagles on the final drive of the game with Toledo (Oct. 17) and went 3-of-4 for 18 yards passing while adding three carries for 19 yards on the ground. One week later, he was called upon to start at quarterback for Eastern and nearly led the team to victory at Ohio that would have snapped the nation's longest home winning streak. In Athens, McCaughey, who made his second career collegiate start and his first since Sept. 28, 2024, when he led Yale into Cornell, finished his first FBS start with 197 yards on 27-of-39 passing with one touchdown and one interception.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Eagles had accumulated just 160 total yards of offense before McCaughey caught fire and directed an eight-play, 98-yard touchdown drive to put the Eagles in front, 20-17. After OU returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown (24-20), McCaughey drove Eastern to the Ohio 4-yard line, but was unable to find the end zone as time expired.

FLYING THE FLAG
When a MAC team defeats a member of a "Power Four" conference, they celebrate by hoisting a black flag with the MAC logo placed above crossbones, something the Eagles have done four times since 2017 with victories over Rutgers, Purdue, Illinois, and Arizona State. Dating back to the start of the 2006 season, at least one member of the MAC has flown the flag with the conference accumulating 49 wins in that stretch of 20 consecutive seasons, including 33 against the Big Ten. All told, the MAC has posted wins against foes from the Big Ten (33), SEC (2), Big 12 (6), the former Pac-12 (2), the ACC (4), and one over Notre Dame. Overall, in the Eagles' four wins tie for the sixth-highest total in the MAC with Ball State and Western Michigan while Northern Illinois leads the way with nine, both Bowling Green and Central Michigan have six, and Ohio and Toledo have five. This year, the streak continued in Week 1 with UMass handing Rutgers a 37-21 home loss, Sept. 3.

ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS
Chris Creighton reached a significant milestone with his victory at Ball State, Nov. 15, becoming the 38th FBS head coach on record to earn 200 career wins. His career mark now stands at 203-132 across 30 seasons at Wabash, Ottawa, Drake, and Eastern Michigan, supported by a .607 winning percentage. The achievement places him among the active leaders in major college football, joining K.C. Keeler, Kirk Ferentz, and Willie Fritz. He also becomes the first coach to reach 200 career wins while serving at a MAC institution, adding his name to a select group of coaches who have hit the milestone, including Brian Kelly (Central Michigan), Nick Saban (Toledo), Woody Hayes (Miami), and Don Nehlen (Bowling Green).

CREIGHTON IN THE MAC
Chris Creighton has tallied 65 wins during his tenure with Eastern Michigan following the 25-23 victory at Akron (Oct. 10), with 40 of those victories coming in MAC games. With his most recent win, his 65 wins with the Eagles ranks 10th in MAC history.

Overall Coaching Wins in MAC History
1. Frank Solich (Ohio/2005-20) • 115
2. Herb Deromedi (Central Michigan/1978-93) • 110
3. Bill Hess (Ohio/1958-77) • 108
4. Jason Candle (Toledo/2015-25) • 81
5. Bob Pruett (Marshall/1997-04) • 79
6. Doyt Perry (Bowling Green/1955-64) • 77
7. Chuck Martin (Miami/2014-pres) • 76
8. Gary Pinkel (Toledo/1991-00) • 73
9. Trevor J. Rees (Kent State/1951-63) • 66
10. Chris Creighton (EMU/2014-pres) • 65

AYE, AYE CAPTAINS!
EMU will be led by five captains in the 2026. Following a vote of the current roster, the players selected included Nicholas Gallegos (OL), Makhi Gilbert (DL), Noah Kim (QB), Bryce Llewellyn (DB), and Zach Mowchan (LB).

DONNING THE DEUCE
In an Aug. 20 team meeting, Chris Creighton announced Nick Devereaux would wear 'The Deuce' for the 2026 season, an honor reserved for the team's top senior pass catcher. While players often request a certain number to wear, 'The Deuce' must be earned in remembrance of wide receiver Demarius Reed, who passed away on Oct. 18, 2013. 'The Deuce' was put back into circulation in 2017 with the blessing of Reed's family and former teammates and has been worn by Sergio Bailey II (2017), Blake Banham (2018), Mathew Sexton (2019), Thomas Odukoya (2020), Bryson Cannon (2021), Hassan Beydoun (2022), Tanner Knue (2023), Oran Singleton (2024), and Terry Lockett Jr. (2025).

ZEROING IN
Another number that cannot be requested by an Eastern player is The Zero. Most weeks, the defensive coaching staff will select an individual player that stood out in the previous week's game and the following week of practice and will announce the wearer at a team meeting on the eve of the game. This year, the honor has been earned by Donmiel Rogers (Sacramento State), Makhi Gilbert (San Jose State), Ronn Hardin (Michigan State), and Peyton Christian (Wisconsin), Rayquan Adkins (Lindenwood), Elgin McDuffey (UMass), Caleb Dobbs (Akron), Quincy Byas (Toledo), and Bryce Eliuk (Ohio) with Dobbs and Byas repeat wearers of the Zero in their careers. Six players returned this season that has previously worn The Zero, including two-time honorees Carter Evans and Barry Manning, along with Byas, Dobbs, Gilbert, and Bryce Llewellyn.

WELCOME TO YPSILANTI
The 2026 roster features 54 newcomers to the program, including 30 first-year players and 24 transfers. The first-year players hail from nine states and two countries with players representing Florida (8), Georgia (3), Illinois, Indiana (4), Kentucky, Michigan (6), New Jersey (2), Ohio (3), and Pennsylvania with one player from Canada. Additionally, five of the 24 transfers came to Ypsilanti from 'Power 4' programs, including Illinois, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech with other NCAA Division I programs including Akron, Delaware State, Drake, Lamar, St. Francis (Pa.), and Yale.

MAKE'EM SAY 'UNC'LE
When looking at the newcomers, 11 of the 30 first-year players were born in 2008, nearly six years after eight of the team's 'elder' statesmen, including Ronn Hardin, who was born in November of 2001. Comparatively, the youngest player on the roster is Horace Glenn III, who was born in October of 2008, Hardin the 'unc' of the team by over 2,500 days (nearly six years and 11 months). Additionally, Hardin is the 15th-oldest player in the FBS.

ADDED TO THE STAFF
Changes to the coaching roster also took place since the end of the 2025 season with five new assistant coaches in place for 2026. Joining the staff this year are Antreal Allen (cornerbacks), who coached cornerbacks at West Georgia in 2025; Erik Campbell (wide receivers), who worked with the wide receivers at Michigan in 2025; Donnell Kirkwood Jr. (running backs), who coached running backs at Washington State in 2025; Zac Sias (defensive tackles), who worked with the linebackers at Kansas the past two years; and Grant Kurzner (special teams coordinator), who worked with Michigan's special teams the past two years.

NEW CALLERS
Along with the new additions to the staff, new roles were also assigned as both Tate Omli and Kasey Teegardin were named co-defensive coordinators for 2026. Omli, who also works with the safeties, is in his fourth season with the Eagles while Teegardin, who is entering his third season in Ypsilanti, will work with the defensive ends. Offensively, Mike Piatkowski returns as the offensive coordinator for the Eagles.

HAIL TO THE CHIEF!
The football player and staff roster was not the only change this offseason as Dr. Brendan Kelly was selected to lead Eastern Michigan as the 24th president of the University. Kelly, who began his tenure in Ypsilanti on April 1, 2026, earned both his bachelor's degree in public relations and master's degree in communication from EMU before completing his Ph.D. in political communication and rhetoric at Wayne State University. Early in his career, he served at EMU as Assistant Director of Forensics and a Lecturer in Communication and Theatre Arts, which made for a more meaningful homecoming for both him and his wife, Dr. Tressa Kelly, also a two‑time EMU alumna and longtime educator.

ON THE LIST
Eastern had 16 players named to preseason All-MAC teams by Athlon Sports and/or Phil Steele with eight Eagles earning a selection to both lists. The Eagles appearing on both ledgers included Nick Devereaux (1st team Athlon/1st team Steele), Carter Evans (1st/1st), Nicholas Gallegos (1st/2nd), Bryce Llewellyn (1st/1st), Joshua Long (1st/1st), Rudy Kessinger (2nd/2nd), Noah Kim (3rd/3rd), and Jason Marshall (4th/4th). Additionally, Athlon Sports recognized Barry Manning (2nd), Joshua Anderson (3rd), Braydon Bennett (3rd), Jefferson Adam (4th), Caleb Coley (4th), and Harold Mack Jr. (4th) while Phil Steele selected Makhi Gilbert (3rd) and Juan Salas Jr. (4th) to their lists.

WATCHING OUT
Seven Eastern players were named to preseason watch lists for various national honors ahead of the start of the season. The list included Bryce Llewellyn for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player), Dennis Strey Jr. for the All-State AFCA Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerfful Trophy (community service), Nick Devereaux for the East-West Shrine Bowl (all-star game), Joshua Long for the John Mackey Trophy (tight end), Nicholas Gallegos for the Rimington Trophy (center), and Braydon Bennett for the Doak Walker (running back).

ON THE HORIZON
Eastern Michigan travels to Kalamazoo, Mich., Tuesday, Nov. 17, to face Western Michigan at 7 p.m. The Eagles trail the all-time series, 21-33-2, and look to snap a three-game losing streak against the Broncos. Western Michigan won the most recent meeting, 31-21, in the 2025 regular-season finale in Ypsilanti on Nov. 25. The game will air on CBSSN, ESPNU or ESPN2, with radio coverage on WEMU and the Varsity Network.

Football vs. Central Michigan - MOTOR CITY MACTION
Date	Wednesday, Nov. 4 \| 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue	Ford Field \| 65,000 \| Detroit, Mich.
Preview Info	EMU Notes (PDF) \| Media Guide (PDF) \| Press Conference Video
Watch \| Stats	ESPN 2 \| Live Stats
Listen	WEMU (89.1 WEMU-FM) \| The Varsity Network App \| SiriusXM
Follow Us	@EMUFB \| @EMUAthletics
Tickets	Purchase Game Tickets \| Make a Food Challenge Donation \| Donate Game Tickets

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Jefferson Adam

Samuel Adjin

Rayquan Adkins

Joshua Anderson

Braydon Bennett

Amareon Blue

Quincy Byas

Peyton Christian

Caleb Coley

Nick Devereaux

Nathan Dibert

Caleb Dobbs

Marvell Eggleston

Bryce Eliuk

Carter Evans

Antonio Floyd

Nicholas Gallegos

Makhi Gilbert

Horace Glenn III

Ronn Hardin

Daniel Hull

Kozy Isaac

Aaron Kearse

Rudy Kessinger

Noah Kim

Alijah Lacey

Bryce Llewellyn

Terry Lockett Jr.

Joshua Long

Eli Lovett

Harold Mack

Barry Manning

Jason Marshall

Brogan McCaughey

Elgin McDuffey

Zach Mowchan

Benson Prosper

Donmiel Rogers

Juan Salas

Dennis Strey Jr.

Dalin Wilkins

Davion Williams

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