Eastern Michigan Athletics
Football Places 10 on Phil Steele's Preseason All-MAC Teams
6/11/2026 11:28:00 AM | Football
Four offensive, four defensive, and two special teams players highlight the list
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – A total of 10 Eastern Michigan University football student-athletes were named Preseason All-Mid-American Conference by Phil Steele's College Football Preview, the magazine announced this week.
Wide receiver Nick Devereaux (Troy, Mich./Brother Rice/Davenport), tight end Joshua Long (Los Angeles, Calif./Loyola/El Camino CC), defensive end Carter Evans (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge), and defensive back Bryce Llewellyn (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral/Charleston Southern) garnered the Eagles' first team selections, while offensive lineman Nicholas Gallegos (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) and kicker Rudy Kessinger (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson) added second team accolades. Quarterback Noah Kim (Centreville, Va./Westfield/Michigan State/Coastal Carolina) and defensive lineman Makhi Gilbert (Phenix City, Ala./Central/Samford) collected third team accolades, while defensive back Jason Marshall (Trenton, Mich./Trenton) and punt returner Juan Salas (Eastvale, Calif./Roosevelt/Southwest Baptist) rounded out the honors with fourth team selections.
The most significant breakthrough of the 2025 season came from Devereaux, who entered his senior season with one catch for seven yards in his EMU career. Last year, he led the team with 510 yards and seven touchdowns while ranking second with 34 receptions. A starter in 10-of-12 games, Devereaux kept a streak going that has now seen at least one wide receiver earn all-conference honors for 10 consecutive seasons, and he did so by ranking 30th nationally in touchdown receptions with his seven, ranking as the most since 2022 when Tanner Knue pulled in nine. With at least one reception in all 12 games played, Devereaux posted his career high in yards four times, including three consecutive games starting with 21 yards against Long Island, 31 at Kentucky, and 76 against Louisiana before exploding for 121 yards and two scores on five catches against Ohio.
Long made a significant mark on the offense in his first year with the program in 2025, posting 37 receptions for 357 yards and three scores while starting 10 of the 12 games he played. The first EMU tight end to earn all-conference accolades since 2021, when Thomas Odukoya was named to the third team, Long was second on the team in receptions and receiving scores while ranking third in yards. He debuted with 31 yards and one score on three receptions at Texas State and raised his career-high yard totals in each of the next two games with 32 yards against Long Island and 45 at Kentucky. He posted a career-best 52 yards on five grabs with one score against Northern Illinois as well. For the season, he tallied at least two catches in all 12 games, with eight games seeing him pull down three or more.
Evans delivered steady defensive production during the 2025 season and served as a consistent presence along the front. He totaled 37 tackles with 19 solo stops and added 5.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks. Evans posted a season high six tackles against Ohio and recorded 1.5 sacks at Buffalo, marking his top pass rush outing of the year. He added a forced fumble and seven quarterback hurries. Across four seasons, Evans has appeared in 36 games and recorded 70 total tackles with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Llewellyn was named the John E. Borowiec Award recipient in 2025, given to the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player. The first EMU defensive back to garner all-conference honors since Noski LaFleur was named to the first team in 2020, Llewellyn was the defense's top tackler as he posted 103 total stops, including 42 solo tackles and 61 assisted tackles, while adding two interceptions and 5.0 tackles-for-loss. Llewellyn, whose 8.5 tackles per game ranked 36th nationally and sixth in the MAC, posted career-high tackles in three games, including 11 against Louisiana before grabbing 12 at Central Michigan and 13 against Ohio. He added a career-high eight solo stops against Miami later in the season. The first defender with 100+ tackles in a season since Chase Kline recorded 143 in 2023, Llewellyn was fourth on the team with 5.0 TFLs while leading the team with at least 0.5 TFLs in six games, including a career-best 1.5 against NIU. He also led the way with two interceptions, one each against Louisiana and NIU.
Gallegos was a force on the front line, starting nine of 12 games at center. He helped anchored an offensive line that kept Kim upright while blocking for a 1,000-yard running back and helping four players post 100-yard games. He helped running back Dontae McMillan become the 12th different back to surpass 1,000 yards in a single season while ranking in the top 10 nationally and first in the MAC in both fewest sacks allowed (eighth at 0.92 sacks allowed per game) and fewest TFLs (ninth at 3.75 per game). Gallegos and the line also played a vital role in the team producing at least one 100-yard player in the final seven games of the season, a streak that ranks as the third-longest in program history and featured four games with a 100-yard rusher and four with a 100-yard receiver.
Kessinger delivered a strong and dependable 2025 season in his first as EMU's primary kicker. He made 17 field goals on 23 attempts and converted all 28 extra points. Kessinger ranked third in the MAC in field goals per game and fifth among conference specialists in scoring. He earned MAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Sept. 22 and Oct. 13 after key scoring performances. He hit a season long 50 yard field goal at Kentucky and matched his season high with three field goals against NIU.
Kim started every game and led one of the MAC's most productive offenses. The Eagles ranked third in the conference in total offense at 377.3 yards per game and second in passing offense at 234.8 yards per game while facing a demanding defensive schedule. Kim became the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every contest and logged 829 offensive snaps. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes and led the MAC with 2,817 passing yards and 234.8 yards per game, both top 40 marks nationally. He averaged a league best 20.6 completions per game, threw 18 touchdowns, and posted a 129.6 passing efficiency rating. Kim added six rushing touchdowns and played a key role in a red zone unit that converted 94.6 percent of its opportunities, first in the MAC and third nationally. He accounted for a league high 150 total points and averaged 250.3 yards of total offense per game.
Gilbert played in five games with four starts in 2025 before being injured. He recorded 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries.
Marshall played in all 12 games with four starts. He earned a scholarship during Week Nine of the season. In total, he recorded 64 total tackles with 30 solo stops and 34 assisted tackles and added one pass breakup against LIU, Sept. 6.
Salas Jr. played in all 12 games with six starts during the 2025 season, finishing with 34 tackles, including 21 solo and 13 assisted stops. He recorded one interception against Ohio and added a pass breakup versus Western Michigan. Salas contributed on special teams with six punt returns for 55 yards, highlighted by a career-long 37-yard return against Louisiana.
The 2026 home schedule features five games at Rynearson Stadium, plus the Ford Field matchup. Season ticket holders gain access to all six experiences, expanding value across the full schedule.
Premium seating options include Suites and Loge tables, offering upgraded comfort and hosting opportunities. The Ultimate Fan Chairback package provides 50-yard-line seating with VIP parking and added space. Traditional options remain accessible, with Reserved and General Admission pricing designed for individuals, families, and groups.
First Team Offense
Nick Devereaux - WR
Joshua Long - TE
First Team Defense
Carter Evans - DE
Bryce Llewellyn - S
Second Team Offense
Nicholas Gallegos - C
Second Team Special Teams
Rudy Kessinger - K
Third Team Offense
Noah Kim - QB
Third Team Defense
Makhi Gilbert - DT
Fourth Team Defense
Jason Marshall - S
Fourth Team Special Teams
Juan Salas - PR
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – A total of 10 Eastern Michigan University football student-athletes were named Preseason All-Mid-American Conference by Phil Steele's College Football Preview, the magazine announced this week.
Wide receiver Nick Devereaux (Troy, Mich./Brother Rice/Davenport), tight end Joshua Long (Los Angeles, Calif./Loyola/El Camino CC), defensive end Carter Evans (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge), and defensive back Bryce Llewellyn (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral/Charleston Southern) garnered the Eagles' first team selections, while offensive lineman Nicholas Gallegos (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) and kicker Rudy Kessinger (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson) added second team accolades. Quarterback Noah Kim (Centreville, Va./Westfield/Michigan State/Coastal Carolina) and defensive lineman Makhi Gilbert (Phenix City, Ala./Central/Samford) collected third team accolades, while defensive back Jason Marshall (Trenton, Mich./Trenton) and punt returner Juan Salas (Eastvale, Calif./Roosevelt/Southwest Baptist) rounded out the honors with fourth team selections.
The most significant breakthrough of the 2025 season came from Devereaux, who entered his senior season with one catch for seven yards in his EMU career. Last year, he led the team with 510 yards and seven touchdowns while ranking second with 34 receptions. A starter in 10-of-12 games, Devereaux kept a streak going that has now seen at least one wide receiver earn all-conference honors for 10 consecutive seasons, and he did so by ranking 30th nationally in touchdown receptions with his seven, ranking as the most since 2022 when Tanner Knue pulled in nine. With at least one reception in all 12 games played, Devereaux posted his career high in yards four times, including three consecutive games starting with 21 yards against Long Island, 31 at Kentucky, and 76 against Louisiana before exploding for 121 yards and two scores on five catches against Ohio.
Long made a significant mark on the offense in his first year with the program in 2025, posting 37 receptions for 357 yards and three scores while starting 10 of the 12 games he played. The first EMU tight end to earn all-conference accolades since 2021, when Thomas Odukoya was named to the third team, Long was second on the team in receptions and receiving scores while ranking third in yards. He debuted with 31 yards and one score on three receptions at Texas State and raised his career-high yard totals in each of the next two games with 32 yards against Long Island and 45 at Kentucky. He posted a career-best 52 yards on five grabs with one score against Northern Illinois as well. For the season, he tallied at least two catches in all 12 games, with eight games seeing him pull down three or more.
Evans delivered steady defensive production during the 2025 season and served as a consistent presence along the front. He totaled 37 tackles with 19 solo stops and added 5.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks. Evans posted a season high six tackles against Ohio and recorded 1.5 sacks at Buffalo, marking his top pass rush outing of the year. He added a forced fumble and seven quarterback hurries. Across four seasons, Evans has appeared in 36 games and recorded 70 total tackles with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Llewellyn was named the John E. Borowiec Award recipient in 2025, given to the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player. The first EMU defensive back to garner all-conference honors since Noski LaFleur was named to the first team in 2020, Llewellyn was the defense's top tackler as he posted 103 total stops, including 42 solo tackles and 61 assisted tackles, while adding two interceptions and 5.0 tackles-for-loss. Llewellyn, whose 8.5 tackles per game ranked 36th nationally and sixth in the MAC, posted career-high tackles in three games, including 11 against Louisiana before grabbing 12 at Central Michigan and 13 against Ohio. He added a career-high eight solo stops against Miami later in the season. The first defender with 100+ tackles in a season since Chase Kline recorded 143 in 2023, Llewellyn was fourth on the team with 5.0 TFLs while leading the team with at least 0.5 TFLs in six games, including a career-best 1.5 against NIU. He also led the way with two interceptions, one each against Louisiana and NIU.
Gallegos was a force on the front line, starting nine of 12 games at center. He helped anchored an offensive line that kept Kim upright while blocking for a 1,000-yard running back and helping four players post 100-yard games. He helped running back Dontae McMillan become the 12th different back to surpass 1,000 yards in a single season while ranking in the top 10 nationally and first in the MAC in both fewest sacks allowed (eighth at 0.92 sacks allowed per game) and fewest TFLs (ninth at 3.75 per game). Gallegos and the line also played a vital role in the team producing at least one 100-yard player in the final seven games of the season, a streak that ranks as the third-longest in program history and featured four games with a 100-yard rusher and four with a 100-yard receiver.
Kessinger delivered a strong and dependable 2025 season in his first as EMU's primary kicker. He made 17 field goals on 23 attempts and converted all 28 extra points. Kessinger ranked third in the MAC in field goals per game and fifth among conference specialists in scoring. He earned MAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Sept. 22 and Oct. 13 after key scoring performances. He hit a season long 50 yard field goal at Kentucky and matched his season high with three field goals against NIU.
Kim started every game and led one of the MAC's most productive offenses. The Eagles ranked third in the conference in total offense at 377.3 yards per game and second in passing offense at 234.8 yards per game while facing a demanding defensive schedule. Kim became the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every contest and logged 829 offensive snaps. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes and led the MAC with 2,817 passing yards and 234.8 yards per game, both top 40 marks nationally. He averaged a league best 20.6 completions per game, threw 18 touchdowns, and posted a 129.6 passing efficiency rating. Kim added six rushing touchdowns and played a key role in a red zone unit that converted 94.6 percent of its opportunities, first in the MAC and third nationally. He accounted for a league high 150 total points and averaged 250.3 yards of total offense per game.
Gilbert played in five games with four starts in 2025 before being injured. He recorded 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and two quarterback hurries.
Marshall played in all 12 games with four starts. He earned a scholarship during Week Nine of the season. In total, he recorded 64 total tackles with 30 solo stops and 34 assisted tackles and added one pass breakup against LIU, Sept. 6.
Salas Jr. played in all 12 games with six starts during the 2025 season, finishing with 34 tackles, including 21 solo and 13 assisted stops. He recorded one interception against Ohio and added a pass breakup versus Western Michigan. Salas contributed on special teams with six punt returns for 55 yards, highlighted by a career-long 37-yard return against Louisiana.
The 2026 home schedule features five games at Rynearson Stadium, plus the Ford Field matchup. Season ticket holders gain access to all six experiences, expanding value across the full schedule.
Premium seating options include Suites and Loge tables, offering upgraded comfort and hosting opportunities. The Ultimate Fan Chairback package provides 50-yard-line seating with VIP parking and added space. Traditional options remain accessible, with Reserved and General Admission pricing designed for individuals, families, and groups.
First Team Offense
Nick Devereaux - WR
Joshua Long - TE
First Team Defense
Carter Evans - DE
Bryce Llewellyn - S
Second Team Offense
Nicholas Gallegos - C
Second Team Special Teams
Rudy Kessinger - K
Third Team Offense
Noah Kim - QB
Third Team Defense
Makhi Gilbert - DT
Fourth Team Defense
Jason Marshall - S
Fourth Team Special Teams
Juan Salas - PR
Players Mentioned
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