On Oct. 17, 2026, the Eastern Michigan Eagles took on the University of Toledo Rockets in an at-home matchup for their 2026 homecoming game. The Eagles lost 34-14, ending their three-game win streak.
Rough start
The Eagles had a rough start. The Eagles took off with the ball and turned the ball over on downs, giving Toledo the ball on the Rockets’ 35-yard line. The Rockets used the opportunity, scoring a touchdown after a seven-play drive to take the lead. The Rockets then recovered a fumble from the Eagles, giving them the ball near the red zone. To end the quarter, the Rockets kicked a field goal and forced a punt from the Eagles’ offense, giving the Rockets a 10-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter had more action for both teams. The Rockets started with the ball and scored a touchdown, extending the lead to 17-0 with 14 minutes left in the second quarter. The Eagles answered back, scoring their first touchdown of the game on a 30-yard pass from Noah Kim to Joshua Long. Toledo continued to dominate possession, scoring two more touchdowns before halftime. Going into the break, the Rockets were up 31-7.
Win streak comes to an end
The Eagles’ defense held the Toledo offense in the third quarter, allowing just three points. While the defense held the Rockets, the Eagles’ offense scored another touchdown. The third-quarter touchdown came on a 12-yard pass from Kim to Harold Mack, bringing the score to 34-14 as the game entered the fourth quarter.
The Eagles forced a Rockets fumble in the fourth quarter. Eastern defensive lineman Hector Gonzalez forced the fumble, which Davion Williams recovered. The Eagles couldn't capitalize on the turnover. The fourth quarter concluded, and the Rockets snapped the Eagles' three-game win streak as the game ended with a final score of 34-14.
Player Successes
While the final score didn't favor the Eagles, a few players put up numbers. Eagles tight end Joshua Long led the team in receiving, finishing with seven receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive back Bryce Llewellyn finished with 10 total tackles, seven of which were solo.
Looking ahead
The Eagles will be looking to bounce back on the road as they face the Ohio Bobcats at 4 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2026, at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. Fans can tune in live on ESPNU.
