Get ready, Ypsilanti—football season is creeping back. Well, now we will see Eastern Michigan plotting a big-time bounce-back in 2025. The Eagles are strapping on their helmets, tightening up the chinstraps. You wonder why and what they are gearing up for.
Umm, this is really a season that is surely filled with redemption, rivalries, and hopefully a ticket to the postseason. With a few sneaky-good matchups and a rivalry finale that could bring fireworks to Tuesday night MACtion, EMU fans have plenty of reasons to get excited. So, mark your calendars and stock up on green face paint—because this year’s ride could get wild.
2025 Eastern Michigan Football Schedule
- Sat, Aug 30—at Texas State
- Sat, Sep 6 —vs Long Island University
- Sat, Sep 13—at Kentucky
- Sat, Sep 20—vs Louisiana
- Sat, Sep 27—at Central Michigan
- Sat, Oct 4—at Buffalo
- Sat, Oct 11—vs Northern Illinois
- Sat, Oct 18—at Miami (OH)
- Sat, Oct 25—vs Ohio
- Sat, Nov 8—vs. Bowling Green
- Sat, Nov 15—at Ball State
- Tue, Nov 25—vs. Western Michigan
A Trip Through the First Half: Starting Strong or Sputtering?
The Eagles kick things off on August 30 with a road trip to Texas State, where the heat will be high and the vibes will be hotter. The Bobcats have improved in the Sun Belt, but this is a winnable game—if EMU’s offense comes out swinging. A fast start on the road would be the perfect appetizer for the home opener.
Next up? A confidence booster. EMU returns home on Sept. 6 to face Long Island University in what should be a “get-right” game. Think: big plays, offensive fireworks, and, hopefully, a comfortable scoreboard lead by halftime. It’s also a prime time to figure out who’s going to lead the team at quarterback—with Austin Smith gone, the starting gig is up for grabs.
But then, it gets serious. On Sept. 13, the Eagles head to SEC country to face Kentucky in Lexington. Yeah, that’s no joke. The Wildcats bring SEC size, speed, and a rowdy home crowd, so this one’s all about grit and damage control. If EMU can hang in the trenches and keep it close, that’s a win in itself.
Back in friendlier territory, Sept. 20 brings Louisiana to town. The Ragin’ Cajuns are one of the better teams outside the Power Five, and they don’t mind playing the villain on the road. This will be a litmus test to see where EMU stacks up against strong Group of Five competition—and it might just turn into a fourth-quarter slugfest.
MACtion Madness: Rivalries, Road Trips, and Redemption
Conference play begins in late September with a trip to Central Michigan (Sept. 27). This isn’t just another MAC game—it’s a bitter rivalry. The battle for Michigan MAC bragging rights is always personal, and don’t be shocked if this one goes down to the wire.
Then it’s off to New York on Oct. 4 to take on Buffalo, a team that always seems to hover in that dangerous but inconsistent zone. EMU will have to pack its cold-weather gear early for this one, as the Bulls love to muck things up on defense. It’s not glamorous, but it could be a crucial swing game in the standings.
The schedule eases up for a hot second with a return to Ypsilanti for a showdown with Northern Illinois (Oct. 11). This game matters—a lot. The Huskies have long been a MAC powerhouse, and beating them at home would be a massive statement. Expect hard hits, bad blood, and no love lost on the line of scrimmage.
Next comes Miami (OH) on Oct. 18, and if recent years are any indication, this one could be a chess match. The RedHawks play disciplined football and rarely beat themselves, so EMU will need to bring its best version, not the sloppy, turnover-prone version that sometimes shows up on the road.
Ohio visits Rynearson on Oct. 25, and by this point, the Eagles’ bowl picture will be taking shape. A win here could separate the contenders from the pretenders. Keep an eye on the ground game—this one’s going to be about controlling the clock and who wins the battle up front.
Final Stretch: Rivalry Night and Bowl Dreams
November kicks off with a double dose of home cooking. Bowling Green (Nov. 8) comes to town first, and while the Falcons have struggled recently, they’ve got enough talent to play spoiler. EMU must avoid the trap and take care of business to keep postseason hopes alive.
The Eagles then head to Ball State (Nov. 15), and this is another one of those gritty, low-scoring MAC West grinders that could swing either way. The Cardinals haven’t been great, but they’ve always played EMU tough in Muncie.
Then, it all comes down to the grand finale: Tuesday night MACtion against Western Michigan on Nov. 25. This one needs no hype—just circle it in red ink. It’s the Eagles’ most heated rivalry, and it’s happening under the lights in Ypsilanti with possible bowl eligibility hanging in the balance. Win this game, and EMU might punch a ticket to the postseason. Lose it? It’ll be a long offseason.
What to Expect in 2025: The Eagles’ High Ceiling (and Big Questions)
Head coach Chris Creighton continues to be one of the MAC’s most respected and longest-tenured leaders, and he’s once again trying to piece together a squad that can challenge for a conference title. The defense has some promising returners, including safety Marques Moore and linebacker Chase Kline, both of whom could be All-MAC candidates.
KEEP READING: Ball State 2025 Football Schedule: Can the Cardinals Post Their First Winning Season Since 2020?
Offensively, it’s a mystery box. The quarterback room is young, and whoever wins the job—whether it’s sophomore Dylan Blair or freshman phenom Kory Davis—will need to grow up fast. Expect a run-heavy attack early as the passing game finds its rhythm.
But the good news? The 2025 schedule is manageable. There’s no Toledo. No overstacked crossover games. Just a bunch of coin-flip contests and a handful of must-win moments. If the Eagles can protect their home turf and steal a couple on the road, 6–7 wins are definitely in the cards.
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