Football

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.

Raiders superstar, EMU Alum Maxx Crosby named assistant GM of football program

By Caleb Henderson · Monday, April 14, 2025

Welcome home, Maxx Crosby. Fresh off inking a three-year, $106.5M extension to remain with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the offseason, the Lapeer, Michigan native added a new role to his docket moving forward: assistant general manager of the Eastern Michigan football team.

Eastern Michigan linebacker Pat O'Connor celebrates after sacking Akron quarterback Kyle Pohl in the Eagles' 31-6 loss in Akron, Ohio, on Oct. 4, 2014.

Detroit Lions re-sign Pat O’Connor to boost depth

By Elena Davis · Friday, March 21, 2025

The Detroit Lions have re-signed defensive tackle Pat O’Connor to a one-year deal, reinforcing their depth on the defensive line after an injury-plagued 2024 season.

Chris Wiesehan's hire becomes latest football offseason move for Eastern Michigan

By Hugh Thorp · Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025

Wiesehan has 31 years of experience at all levels of coaching.

Success beyond Rynearson: EMU football stars who shine in the NFL

By Olivia Hendry · Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025

EMU's football program has turned out many top-notch athletes who have gone on to play in the NFL. Nine EMU alumni currently play for NFL teams.

Northern Illinois joins Mountain West Conference, setting new standard for MAC teams

By Elena Davis · Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025

Northern Illinois University's football program will join the Mountain West Conference in 2026, bringing about a significant shift in collegiate athletics and prompting implications for Mid-American Conference schools like Eastern Michigan University.

Eastern Michigan football secures key transfers for upcoming season

By Elena Davis · Friday, Dec. 27, 2024

Eastern Michigan University strengthened its football program by adding veteran running back Tavierre Dunlap from the University of Michigan and standout defensive end Quincy Byas. They bring experience and elite talent to the Eagles’ roster.

Delbert Mimms declares for the NFL Draft after stellar EMU career

By Elena Davis · Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024

Delbert Mimms III, Eastern Michigan University's standout running back, declares for the 2025 NFL Draft after an impressive college career marked by explosive plays, versatility and leadership.

Arizona State adds kicker Jesús Gómez from Eastern Michigan

By Elena Davis · Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024

Arizona State has added Eastern Michigan kicker Jesus Gomez. His impressive career and ambition to compete at the highest level make him a key addition to the Sun Devils' roster ahead of the College Football Playoff.

Eastern Michigan football has 16 players in transfer portal

By Hugh Thorp · Monday, Dec. 16, 2024

16 Players, including Jesus Gomez, Oran Singleton, Markus Allen, and Elijah Jackson Anderson, headline the transfer portal departures for Eagles 13 days into the offseason.

EMU football signs 18 new eagles during early signing period, none from Michigan

By Elena Davis · Friday, Dec. 6, 2024

Eastern Michigan University football signed 18 new players during the Early Signing Period, none from Michigan, with a diverse class featuring standout talent from 11 states, Canada, and Mexico to strengthen the roster for the 2025 season.

Eastern Michigan football shines as 4 eagles earn all-MAC honors

By Elena Davis · Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024

Four Eastern Michigan football players earned All-MAC honors, with standout performances from Jesús Gómez, Oran Singleton, James Djonkam, and Terry Lockett showcasing the team's talent and impact during the 2024 season.

EMU kicker Jesús Gómez enters transfer portal after record-breaking season

By Elena Davis · Monday, Dec. 2, 2024

Jesús Gómez, Eastern Michigan University's record-breaking senior kicker, has entered the transfer portal following a standout 2024 season in which he earned three MAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and solidified his legacy as one of college football’s top performers.

The Eastern Michigan football team takes the field in the Eagles 51-7 loss to Western Michigan Saturday afternoon in Kalamazoo.

Eastern Michigan falls to Western Michigan 26-18 in season finale

By Elena Davis · Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024

Eastern Michigan’s 2024 football season ended with a 26-18 loss to Western Michigan, as standout performances from Delbert Mimms III and James Djonkam weren’t enough to overcome costly special teams errors and missed opportunities.

High-stakes rivalry: EMU and WMU fight for bowl glory and Michigan MAC Trophy

By Elena Davis · Friday, Nov. 29, 2024

Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan clash in a high-stakes rivalry game with bowl eligibility, the Michigan MAC Trophy, and season pride on the line.

The heart and soul of Eastern Michigan’s defensive line

By Elena Davis · Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024

Senior defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky reflects on his journey at Eastern Michigan University and shares how he and his team prepare for their final regular-season game against Western Michigan.

Latest Podcast

In this episode, we're summarizing the articles posted on the Eastern Echo 6/9/2025 - 6/15/2025! To listen to the episode on Spotify, click here!

Articles featured in this episode:

"EMU football alums Gunnar Oakes, Brian Dooley find pro success with UFL's Michigan Panthers" - Caleb Henderson

"Review: 'Say Nothing' is a good introduction to the intense history of conflict between Britain and Ireland" - Gabriella Payeur

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

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