Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan's offseason was defined by significant roster turnover through the transfer portal, losing 26 players including their top offensive weapon Terry Lockett, who contributed 11.3 points per play above average before entering the portal. The Eagles return quarterback Noah Kim as their starter, providing some continuity to an offense that ranks 95th nationally at -2.6 points per game. However, the defensive side of the ball remains the primary concern, grading out at 132nd nationally with a -8.4 rating that drags down their overall JP+ power rating to -11.2 points. Virginia Tech transfer Braydon Bennett arrives to bolster the running back room after James Jointer Jr. departed for Central Arkansas.

JP+ projects 5.9 wins for Eastern Michigan in 2026, a modest improvement over their 4-8 record from last season despite the significant roster departures. The Eagles face a challenging schedule with road trips to Michigan State and Wisconsin among their toughest tests, while home games against Kent State and Lindenwood offer the best opportunities for victories. The gap between their projected wins and last year's performance hinges entirely on whether the defense can show meaningful improvement from its bottom-tier ranking. If the Eagles can find adequate replacements for their portal departures and Kim develops further, they could push toward bowl eligibility. If the defensive struggles persist, another losing season looms.