Football - The Eastern Echo

Eagle mascot Swoop holds a green flag with a white letter E and walks onto the football field. Several football players are obscured by green-and-white fog in the background behind Swoop.

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.

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.