The Eastern Michigan University football program received the news that the NCAA granted starting quarterback Noah Kim an extension of eligibility waiver. This decision allows Kim to return to the Eagles for the 2026 season, providing much-needed stability and veteran leadership to a program looking to return to bowl contention. Kim, who turned 24 in December, will enter his seventh year of college football as a graduate student.
Kim’s college career has spanned three programs and multiple roles, giving him a unique résumé in college football. He began at Michigan State University in 2020, later emerging as the Spartans’ starting quarterback in 2023 before an injury cut his season short after five starts. Kim transferred to Coastal Carolina University in 2024, where he added valuable game experience and continued his development as a graduate transfer. He then entered the transfer portal, landing at EMU in 2025, and enjoyed a breakout season, starting all 12 games and establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the Mid-American Conference.
Breaking down the seven-year journey
To understand how a player can remain in college for seven seasons, one must look at the intersection of unique NCAA policies and personal medical history. Typically, athletes have a five-year window to complete four seasons of competition, but Kim’s path was extended by several factors:
- The 2020 COVID-19 exception: Kim began his collegiate career at MSU in 2020. Due to the global pandemic, the NCAA designated the 2020 season as a "COVID year," granting all fall sport athletes an extra year of eligibility that does not count against their four-season limit. He did not see game action during this initial season.
- The 2021 redshirt year: In his second year in East Lansing, Kim utilized a traditional redshirt season. This allowed him to focus on physical development and mastering the Spartans' offensive system behind the scenes without appearing in any games.
- The 2022 backup role: Kim made his collegiate debut in 2022, serving as the primary backup to starter Payton Thorne. He appeared in four games—the maximum number allowed by the NCAA to preserve a redshirt.
- The 2023 medical setback: After winning the starting job in preseason camp, Kim’s 2023 season was significantly impacted by external turmoil and physical setbacks. The season was marred early on by the firing of head coach Mel Tucker, with the team subsequently falling under the leadership of interim head coach Harlon Barnett. Kim started the first five games of the season, even earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after a three-touchdown performance against Richmond. However, following struggles against Power Five opponents and a subsequent bye week, Kim was replaced in the starting lineup. He did not appear in another contest for the remainder of the year, while dealing with what Barnett specifically characterized as an injury. This injury cost him the final seven games of the season.
This significant time lost due to medical reasons, as designated by the interim coaching staff, provided the necessary basis for the NCAA extension of eligibility waiver that paved the way for his return to Eastern Michigan in 2026. By successfully petitioning the NCAA, EMU has ensured that its most productive offensive weapon will have a second full year in Head Coach Chris Creighton’s system.
A historic 2025 season in the MAC
In his debut season with the Eagles, Kim solidified himself as the premier passer in the MAC. He started all 12 games in 2025, becoming only the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every contest in a single season.
His statistical output was a primary reason for the Eagles' offensive production:
- Passing Yards: 2,817 - Led the MAC by 297 yards.
- Passing Touchdowns: 18 - Third-most in the conference.
- Total Points Accounted For: 150 - Highest figure in the league.
- Red Zone Conversion Rate: 94.6% - Ranked third nationally and first in the MAC.
Kim’s impact was not limited to his arm. He added six rushing touchdowns, proving to be a reliable option in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Under his direction, the EMU offense ranked second in the MAC in passing offense.
Leadership and program impact
Beyond the numbers, Kim’s return provides additional value. He was voted a team captain in his first year at EMU and is poised to be a two-time captain in 2026. His presence in the locker room will be vital as he mentors a young quarterback room that includes Jace Stuckey, Bryce Button and Nick Kinsey, none of whom have yet played in a college game.
Coach Chris Creighton emphasized the importance of this continuity.
“Getting Noah back for another year is huge news for our program," Creighton said in a statement. "A second year in our system gives him an opportunity to really reach his full potential... We are fired up.”
With Kim returning, he is set to become the first EMU quarterback to start in back-to-back season openers since Preston Hutchinson in 2020-21. Kim called the opportunity to stay in Michigan a blessing.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to God, Coach Creighton, the entire coaching staff, my teammates, and the athletics department for their unwavering support in making my return possible,” Kim said in the program's official release. “We have a lot to look forward to this year!”
