Football - The Eastern Echo

Mariana Vega crouches on golf course to think while gazing off into the distance.

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales: Sept. 16-22

By Caleb Henderson · Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025

With fall sports in full swing, here’s a look at some of the top storylines to keep eyes on pertaining to Eastern Michigan’s various athletic disciplines this week.

An Eastern Michigan running back galavants into the end zone with the football after scoring a touchdown.

Eastern Michigan football falls to Kentucky 48-23, drops to 0-3

By Caleb Henderson · Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025

Kentucky outscored Eastern Michigan 20-7 in the second half to pull away and claim a dominant 48-23 win; handing the Eagles their worst start to a season since 2020.

Two EMU football players touch green helmets together in celebration in front of the crowd and a gray, cloudy sky.

Eastern Michigan football preview vs. Kentucky: getting the ship righted?

By Darrell Justice · Friday, Sept. 12, 2025

The Eagles will have their hands full with the University of Kentucky Wildcats this week. To stay competitive, the Eagles will likely need another strong outing from Dontae McMillan plus an improved run defense to combat Kentucky’s backfield.

Player Hannah Blaney high-fives her teammates.

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales: Sep. 9-15

By Caleb Henderson · Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025

With fall sports now firmly in full swing, here’s a look at some of the top Eastern Michigan sports storylines to follow and how to catch them live.

An Eastern Michigan running back shakes off an LIU tackler to exploit the open gap created by his offensive line.

Eastern Michigan football falls to LIU 28-23, first loss to an FCS opponent since 2012

By Caleb Henderson · Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025

13 years ago was the last time that an Eastern Michigan football team had lost to an FCS opponent. This was the case until Saturday night, when the Long Island University Sharks came to town and spoiled the Eagles’ home opener.

Eastern Michigan football preview vs. LIU: opening the home slate with a win?

By Caleb Henderson · Friday, Sept. 5, 2025

This week, the Eagles return to Ypsilanti, playing in front of their home fans for the first time in 2025 at Rynearson Stadium, aiming to get their campaign back on track against the Long Island University Sharks.

Eastern Michigan football drops season opener to Texas State, 52-27

By Caleb Henderson · Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025

The Eagles were able to keep up with Texas State University's high-flying offense in the first half, entering the break only trailing by seven, but proceeded to give up 21 unanswered points between the third and early fourth quarter portions of the game before falling to the Bobcats, 52-27.

Eastern Michigan football season opener preview: Starting 2025 with a win?

By Caleb Henderson · Friday, Aug. 29, 2025

As they go into their 50th season of Mid-American Conference play, the Eagles are determined to firmly leave the disappointing end to last year in the rearview mirror.

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales: Aug. 24-30

By Caleb Henderson · Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

Fall semester classes and sports are now in full swing! Get the scoop on the top sports storylines this week at Eastern Michigan University.

Several players from the Eastern Michigan football team huddle and discuss their game plan during a timeout.

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales: Aug. 17–23

By Caleb Henderson · Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025

With the new semester rapidly approaching, fall sports will soon be in full swing! Read this article to get the scoop on some of the top Eastern Michigan University sports storylines.

Eastern Michigan football 2025 season preview: An opportunity at redemption?

By Caleb Henderson · Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025

A new year brings about a fresh start and fresh expectations for the Eastern Michigan University football program, which has been busy making pivotal moves throughout the winter and spring.

Gunnar Oakes runs with the football in the rain during pre-game warmups while playing for Eastern Michigan University.

Eastern Michigan alum, UFL standout Gunnar Oakes signs with Detroit Lions

By Caleb Henderson · Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025

After two productive seasons with the United Football League’s Michigan Panthers, Eastern Michigan University alumnus Gunnar Oakes has received the NFL opportunity he had longed for.

Eastern Michigan football’s QB quandary: who will start for the Eagles in 2025?

By Caleb Henderson · Saturday, July 5, 2025

Read to learn more about each candidate for the starting quarterback role.

Eastern Michigan football commit Elijah Berman dies in motorcycle crash

By Caleb Henderson · Wednesday, June 25, 2025

17-year-old Elijah Berman, a member of the Eastern Michigan football 2026 recruiting class, was killed in a motorcycle crash on June 24, 2025.

Eagles Sports Tips & Tales: June 15-21

By Caleb Henderson · Monday, June 16, 2025

Eastern Michigan University's 2025-26 sports season is inching closer each day! Students and fans can look forward to the Eagles' exciting upcoming football and basketball seasons.

EMU completes 'Maxx Match,' achieves football fundraising goal as new NCAA regulations loom large

By Caleb Henderson · Monday, June 9, 2025

A new day in college football is on the horizon, and with funding from the "Maxx Match" program, Eastern Michigan University is set to take full advantage of it.

EMU football alums Gunnar Oakes, Brian Dooley find pro success with UFL’s Michigan Panthers

By Caleb Henderson · Saturday, June 7, 2025

Going to high school just 10 minutes apart from each other, it seemed to be destiny that Brian Dooley's and Gunnar Oakes’ paths would cross at some point. The two high school football standouts saw this happen at Eastern Michigan University, where they both suited up for the Eagles between 2018-22. Now, just a few short years later, they have reunited to play for Michigan’s United Football League team, the Panthers.

Michigan Panthers headed to UFL postseason

By AnnaBelle Favre · Monday, May 26, 2025

As the Panthers push for their first championship title, now is the perfect time to catch the action up close.

Eastern Michigan football’s Cole Snyder, Trey Laing further pro careers in the CFL

By Caleb Henderson · Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Cole Snyder and Trey Laing now both join Justin Jefferson as former Eagles to continue their professional football careers overseas this offseason, all three being either drafted or inked to Canadian Football League contracts.

EMU football's Cole Snyder earns NFL shot as Jefferson signs with CFL's Roughriders

By Caleb Henderson · Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Eastern Michigan standouts are making waves at the next level, with defensive lineman signed by the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and quarterback Cole Snyder earning a rookie minicamp invite from the Detroit Lions. The announcements mark major progress for both athletes following the 2025 NFL Draft.