As the winter chill begins to thaw in Washtenaw County, the atmosphere around the Eastern Michigan University football program is heating up with a significant addition to its coaching ranks. On February 25, 2026, head coach Chris Creighton officially announced the hiring of Antreal Allen as the Eagles' new cornerbacks coach, signaling a bold move to fortify a secondary known for its discipline and grit.
Allen arrives in Ypsilanti not just as a coach, but as a recognized rising star in the collegiate landscape. His reputation preceded him; in 2024, 247Sports.com named him to its prestigious "30 Under 30" list because of his rapid ascent in the world of college football and his significant impact on the game at a remarkably young age. Now, with eight years of collegiate coaching experience under his belt, Allen is tasked with bringing that same high-impact philosophy to the Mid-American Conference.
A proven track record of defensive excellence
The hallmark of an Antreal Allen-coached unit is a relentless pursuit of the football and a disciplined approach to limiting big plays. Most recently, Allen served as the cornerbacks coach at the University of West Georgia during the 2025 season. While the program was ineligible for official statistical rankings due to its transition to NCAA Division I, the numbers Allen’s unit produced were nothing short of elite.
Under his guidance, the Wolves' defense surrendered only 332.2 total yards per game—a figure that would have ranked 21st nationally—and tied for 21st in the NCAA by allowing just 21.2 points per contest. Perhaps most impressively for a cornerbacks coach, Allen’s secondary held opponents to 209.3 passing yards per game and recorded 10 interceptions. He also proved his mettle in player development, coaching Jalen Burton to All-United Athletic Conference honors, marking the first time a cornerback in the school's Division I history earned such an accolade.
Roots in the Sun Belt
Allen’s coaching pedigree is deeply intertwined with his alma mater, Georgia State University. Before his stint at West Georgia, he spent three seasons (2022–24) in Atlanta, where he worked with both safeties and cornerbacks. During that tenure, he was part of a defensive brain trust that forced 25 turnovers in 2022, ranking 11th in the nation.
His ability to translate his playing experience into coaching success is a key component of his rapid ascent. A native of Auburn, Alabama, Allen was a four-year letterwinner for the Panthers from 2014 to 2017. He appeared in 40 career games, starting at both cornerback and safety, and was a foundational piece of the team that secured Georgia State’s first bowl victory—a 27–17 win over Western Kentucky in the 2017 Cure Bowl. This history of winning at a program building its own identity mirrors the blue-collar culture Creighton has established at Eastern Michigan.
The right fit for the factory
For coach Chris Creighton, the decision to bring Allen into "The Factory" was about more than just impressive statistics. "He fits our staff because he makes players better on and off the field, and he cares about the guys he is coaching," Creighton remarked. This emphasis on holistic development—pairing a Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems with a high-level football IQ—makes Allen a unique mentor for the modern student-athlete.
Allen himself expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the new chapter in Ypsilanti. "I am extremely excited and blessed to have the opportunity to continue to do what I love to do," Allen said, adding that he is "thankful to be a part of a staff with great people".
Looking ahead to spring ball
The timing of the hire is critical. With spring practice right around the corner, the Eagles' secondary will have the opportunity to integrate Allen’s schemes and energy immediately. His experience at various levels—from defensive quality control and graduate assistant roles to full-time positions at Shorter University and Georgia State—has prepared him for the diverse challenges of the MAC.
As Eastern Michigan looks to build on its defensive identity, the addition of a coach with Allen’s resume suggests a focus on turnover margin and pass efficiency defense—two areas where he has consistently excelled. For Eagle fans, the message is clear: the "30 Under 30" architect is ready to build a no-fly zone in Ypsilanti.
