Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
Second Chance Under Center: Noah Kim Embraces Return for 2026
3/20/2026 12:15:00 PM | Football
Kim returns for 2026 after NCAA waiver approval
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University quarterback Noah Kim thought a college career had reached a final chapter. Preparation shifted toward pro day training. Conversations centered on next steps. Then a phone call changed direction.
Kim received word in early January that his NCAA extension of eligibility waiver had been approved. Another season awaited. Another chance followed.
Excitement mixed with relief. Kim described a rare opportunity shaped by patience and paperwork. "I just submitted the injury that I had, the doctor's notes, and that was all I had to do," Kim said. "Then it was just wait."
Waiting tested nerves. Across college football, similar requests landed mixed outcomes. Kim followed the news closely while staying ready for multiple paths. "You see so many guys trying to get a year back," Kim said. "Some get denied. Some get said yes. You never know."
Approval arrived during the first week of January. The moment carried weight beyond another season. Kim viewed continuity as the reward. "Being able to start at a school and then return to the same school was something I haven't done in my career," Kim said. "Being able to come back to a place where you're familiar with people, where you know what worked and what didn't, and build from that, that was huge."
Eastern Michigan gains a veteran leader who already anchored one of the Mid-American Conference's top offenses. During the 2025 season, Kim started every game and directed an attack ranking third in the league in total offense and second in passing offense. The Eagles averaged 377.3 yards per game against demanding defenses.
Kim became only the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every contest. The season provided validation and perspective. "You go from thinking your last year is done to realizing you get another year," Kim said. "That was a lot of excitement."
At age 24, Kim takes on an uncommon role in a college locker room. Teammates jokingly refer to him as "Unc," a nickname rooted in experience rather than distance. Kim accepts the label with ease. "I've pretty much embraced it," Kim said. "There's some truth there. Seventh year of college, you deserve to get joked on a little bit."
The dynamic shapes leadership style. Kim often speaks about maturity and responsibility. "If you are older, you should carry yourself older," Kim said. "I've been through every stage these guys are going through. I try to show how things should be done."
Professional habits guide daily work. Kim approaches preparation with urgency tied to future goals. "I'm 24 years old, and there are guys in the league younger than me," Kim said. "I have to carry a professional mindset. I think that only helps the team."
Education remains part of the journey. Kim completed undergraduate work in 2023 and continues progress toward graduate credentials. Academic balance reinforces long-term thinking. "If I decide to come back later and finish the master's, I'll already be part of the way there," Kim said.
Another storyline waits down the road. Eastern Michigan will play at Michigan State in week two of the 2026 season, marking Kim's return to Spartan Stadium. The matchup carries personal meaning without bitterness. "I think about that game probably every day," Kim said. "Playing against Michigan State is a whole different level."
Kim maintains close ties with former teammates, including longtime friend Caleb Wheatland. Familiar faces heighten anticipation rather than tension. "We're still cool," Kim said. "Being able to play against someone like that again, that's full circle."
Emotion will surround the setting. Preparation stays steady. "My approach will be the same as every game," Kim said. "Do my job and give our team the best opportunity to win."
Leadership enters a new phase as spring workouts begin. Kim plans to establish direction early. "Leadership should be different this time around," Kim said. "Establishing that day one will be important."
Growth remains the priority. Kim views a second year within the same system as an advantage. "There's no ceiling when it comes to knowledge of football," Kim said. "Being able to dissect what worked, what didn't, and draft a plan with coaches, that's the biggest thing."
Incremental improvement guides the offseason. "How can we raise the level in every category," Kim said. "Knowledge, competitiveness, execution."
Family support continues to anchor the journey. Kim credited his father for encouraging the waiver process from the start. "He just wants the best for me," Kim said. "He was super happy I got another chance to be here and do something I love."
Work begins again. Strength training. Film study. Leadership development. Another season awaits.
"We have a lot of work to do," Kim said. "Get bigger, stronger, faster. That's what this offseason's for. It's going to be a good year."
Kim received word in early January that his NCAA extension of eligibility waiver had been approved. Another season awaited. Another chance followed.
Excitement mixed with relief. Kim described a rare opportunity shaped by patience and paperwork. "I just submitted the injury that I had, the doctor's notes, and that was all I had to do," Kim said. "Then it was just wait."
Waiting tested nerves. Across college football, similar requests landed mixed outcomes. Kim followed the news closely while staying ready for multiple paths. "You see so many guys trying to get a year back," Kim said. "Some get denied. Some get said yes. You never know."
Approval arrived during the first week of January. The moment carried weight beyond another season. Kim viewed continuity as the reward. "Being able to start at a school and then return to the same school was something I haven't done in my career," Kim said. "Being able to come back to a place where you're familiar with people, where you know what worked and what didn't, and build from that, that was huge."
Eastern Michigan gains a veteran leader who already anchored one of the Mid-American Conference's top offenses. During the 2025 season, Kim started every game and directed an attack ranking third in the league in total offense and second in passing offense. The Eagles averaged 377.3 yards per game against demanding defenses.
Kim became only the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every contest. The season provided validation and perspective. "You go from thinking your last year is done to realizing you get another year," Kim said. "That was a lot of excitement."
At age 24, Kim takes on an uncommon role in a college locker room. Teammates jokingly refer to him as "Unc," a nickname rooted in experience rather than distance. Kim accepts the label with ease. "I've pretty much embraced it," Kim said. "There's some truth there. Seventh year of college, you deserve to get joked on a little bit."
The dynamic shapes leadership style. Kim often speaks about maturity and responsibility. "If you are older, you should carry yourself older," Kim said. "I've been through every stage these guys are going through. I try to show how things should be done."
Professional habits guide daily work. Kim approaches preparation with urgency tied to future goals. "I'm 24 years old, and there are guys in the league younger than me," Kim said. "I have to carry a professional mindset. I think that only helps the team."
Education remains part of the journey. Kim completed undergraduate work in 2023 and continues progress toward graduate credentials. Academic balance reinforces long-term thinking. "If I decide to come back later and finish the master's, I'll already be part of the way there," Kim said.
Another storyline waits down the road. Eastern Michigan will play at Michigan State in week two of the 2026 season, marking Kim's return to Spartan Stadium. The matchup carries personal meaning without bitterness. "I think about that game probably every day," Kim said. "Playing against Michigan State is a whole different level."
Kim maintains close ties with former teammates, including longtime friend Caleb Wheatland. Familiar faces heighten anticipation rather than tension. "We're still cool," Kim said. "Being able to play against someone like that again, that's full circle."
Emotion will surround the setting. Preparation stays steady. "My approach will be the same as every game," Kim said. "Do my job and give our team the best opportunity to win."
Leadership enters a new phase as spring workouts begin. Kim plans to establish direction early. "Leadership should be different this time around," Kim said. "Establishing that day one will be important."
Growth remains the priority. Kim views a second year within the same system as an advantage. "There's no ceiling when it comes to knowledge of football," Kim said. "Being able to dissect what worked, what didn't, and draft a plan with coaches, that's the biggest thing."
Incremental improvement guides the offseason. "How can we raise the level in every category," Kim said. "Knowledge, competitiveness, execution."
Family support continues to anchor the journey. Kim credited his father for encouraging the waiver process from the start. "He just wants the best for me," Kim said. "He was super happy I got another chance to be here and do something I love."
Work begins again. Strength training. Film study. Leadership development. Another season awaits.
"We have a lot of work to do," Kim said. "Get bigger, stronger, faster. That's what this offseason's for. It's going to be a good year."
Cinematic Recap: Pro Day 2026
Wednesday, March 18
2026 EMU Football Pro Day
Tuesday, March 17
Motor City MACtion: Eastern Michigan-Central Michigan Football to Play at Ford Field
Wednesday, January 21
He's Back! Kim Granted Extra Year of Eligibility, Set to Return for 2026 Season
Wednesday, January 07