Eastern Michigan Athletics
2026 Football Roster
Roster

Jersey Number 21
Malachi James
- Position:
- RB
- Class:
- Junior
- Hometown:
- Willingboro, N.J.
- High School:
- Burlington City
EMU: 2026: Joins the program as a transfer after a season at Syracuse University...Enrolled for the Winter 2026 semester...SYRACUSE: Played in eight games over two seasons for the Orange…Ran the ball two times for -2 yards…Had nine kickoff returns for 168 yards…2025: Saw game action in two contests – against Tennessee and Connecticut…Had a 16-yard kickoff return against the Huskies…Ran the ball twice for against the Vols with a long rush of three yards…2024: Appeared in six games, predominantly as a return man…Eight kickoff returns for 152 yards and one tackle on the season…Had three kick returns for 70 yards in the season-opener against Ohio (8/31), including a career-long 24-yard return…One kick return for 15 yards against Stanford (9/20) and added a tackle on special teams…Returned a pair of kicks for 42 yards at Pittsburgh…Two kick returns for 25 yards in the win over Virginia Tech (11/2)…HIGH SCHOOL: Rated three stars and the No. 17 ranked prospect out of New Jersey by 247Sports… All-County and All-South Jersey selection…All-Conference honoree at running back, Second Team All-State selection at wide receiver…Fastest sprinter in New Jersey, setting a 100-meter dash time of 10.18 seconds, the fastest in state history…NJ.com Track Athlete of the Year… Played at Burlington High School, where he played wide receiver, running back, and defensive back under Head Coach Kadin Booker…Recorded 25 catches for 609 yards and eight touchdowns, 35 carries for 479 yards and five touchdowns, and 38 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in his senior season…PERSONAL: Full Name: Malachi Alexander James...Son of Troy and Roxanne James...Business major.
2025-26 EMU Athletics In-Review
Tuesday, April 21
Spring Weekend 2026 Cinematic Recap
Monday, April 20
White Defeats Green in Annual Spring Football Game
Saturday, April 18
2026 Spring Game Press Conference
Saturday, April 18
















































































































