With the start of a new semester just around the corner, fall sports will soon be in full swing. Here’s a look at the top Eastern Michigan University sports storylines.
Football | Eastern Michigan OL Blake Bustard granted final year of eligibility
After a months-long legal fight over his right to suit up for the Eagles this season, Blake Bustard has come out on top.
The 6-foot-7-inch offensive tackle will be eligible to play for Eastern Michigan against Texas State University on Aug. 30, 2025, and for the rest of the campaign after a judge ruled he should be granted an extra year of eligibility due to mishandling of his redshirt season in 2021.
Bustard, a Muskegon native, transferred to EMU from Wayne State University at the start of the 2024 season. He started in all nine games he appeared in last year.
The senior will serve as a key cog on an experienced offensive line that aims to keep their new quarterback upright in 2025.
Football | Two additional game start times, including homecoming game, revealed
Two more start times for Eastern Michigan football games during the 2025 campaign have been released to the public, including this year’s homecoming game dubbed “Operation Go Green.”
The homecoming contest against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, while the Eagles’ road contest against the University of Buffalo will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 4.
Broadcast networks for both events will be revealed at a later date. Tickets can be purchased on the EMU Athletics website.
Soccer | Home match vs. UIC on Aug. 21
Following a disappointing opening to the campaign with a 4-0 home loss to non-conference opponent the University of Cincinnati, the Eastern Michigan women’s soccer program aims to bounce back with another pivotal home date against the University of Illinois Chicago this Thursday, Aug. 21.
Viewers can catch the action at Scicluna Field free of charge or stream the game from home live on ESPN+. Game time is at 4 p.m.
Volleyball | Exhibition home match against Michigan State on Aug. 23
With the start of the regular season just over a week away, the Eastern Michigan women’s volleyball team embarks on one final tune-up before the games count — an exhibition match against in-state foe Michigan State University.
Coming off a campaign that saw an eight-win year-to-year improvement, Eagles head coach Kevin Foeman leads a squad aiming to continue their upward trajectory heading into 2025.
Viewers can attend the action against the Big 10 foe at the George Gervin Game Above Center free of charge. This preseason match will take place on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.
