The upcoming week of Feb. 10-16, 2026, is set to be one of the most active stretches for Eastern Michigan University athletics, featuring critical conference showdowns, historic rivalries and a southern road swing for baseball's season opener.
Basketball: Rivalry week on the hardwood
The women’s basketball team opens the week at home Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, against Ball State University. This matchup is a significant hurdle for the Eagles, who are currently looking to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Cardinals. While Ball State leads the all-time series 48-45, the Eagles have a competitive 21-23 record when playing in Ypsilanti.
Then, the team will travel to face the University of Toledo Saturday, Feb. 14. The Eagles enter this contest with confidence after winning their most recent meeting with the Rockets 76-71 in January 2026.
For men’s basketball, the week is defined by a difficult road test and a classic home rivalry. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the team heads to Kent State University, a venue where they have historically struggled with only nine wins in 43 attempts. The Eagles are currently on a three-game skid against the Golden Flashes.
Then, on Saturday, Feb. 14, they return to the George Gervin GameAbove Center to host Western Michigan University. While the Broncos have won the last two meetings, EMU holds a strong 36-25 historical home record against their in-state rivals.
Baseball and lacrosse: Home defense and road tests
Baseball travels to Arkansas for its season opener, starting with a three-game series against the University of Arkansas at Little Rock starting Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. This marks a rare meeting between the programs; they haven't faced off since 2010, and the all-time series is currently deadlocked at 1-1.
In women’s lacrosse, the Eagles host a pair of home games at the Indoor Practice Facility. Wednesday, Feb. 11 features a match against Lindenwood University, followed by a Saturday morning battle against Xavier University. The Eagles are seeking their first-ever win against Xavier, having lost both previous encounters by just a single goal, including a 13-12 overtime heartbreaker in 2024.
Gymnastics: Pursuing perfection
The women’s gymnastics team heads to Muncie, Indiana, on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, to face Ball State. The Eagles currently hold a two-meet winning streak against the Cardinals and maintain a winning all-time series lead of 16-12-1.
Track and field and women's tennis: Meets and road tests
Track and field athletes will split their forces between the Grand Valley State University Big Meet in Allendale, Michigan and the two-day Heartland Invitational in Indianapolis starting Feb. 13.
Meanwhile, women’s tennis will face a double-city road trip, playing DePaul University in Chicago on Friday, Feb. 13, and Butler University in Indianapolis on Saturday, Feb. 14. EMU leads the series against Butler 3-2, though they are looking to reverse a two-match losing streak against them.
Women's swimming and diving: U-M battle ahead
Women’s swimming and diving travels to Ann Arbor for the Michigan 1st Chance Meet Feb. 14–15. The Eagles will be fighting an uphill battle, as the program is 0-17 all-time against the University of Michigan.
Golf: Sun Belt swing
The Eagles' golf teams are heading to warmer climates for major multi-day invitationals:
- Women’s golf at the Alice & John Wallace Invitational: The women's team will be on the West Coast for a rigorous three-day tournament in Palm Desert, California. This event is hosted by Long Beach State University, and the Eagles will be competing throughout the Valentine’s Day weekend, concluding Monday morning, Feb. 16, 2026.
- Men’s golf at the Hal Williams Collegiate: The men’s team travels to Mobile, Alabama for the Hal Williams Collegiate, hosted by the University of South Alabama. Their competition officially tees off early Monday morning, Feb. 16, at 8 a.m.
