Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan's 2026 season hinges on quarterback Noah Kim shouldering an even heavier load after the Eagles lost their top offensive weapon in receiver Terry Lockett to the transfer portal. The offense grades out 96th nationally at -2.8 points per game, while a porous defense ranks 135th at -8.9 points allowed, combining for an overall JP+ rating of -12.1 that slots 124th nationally. The Eagles added Virginia Tech transfer running back Braydon Bennett to help replace departed back James Jointer Jr., but the portal math tilted heavily against them with 26 departures costing 11.5 points of Player Performance Average compared to just 10 arrivals adding negative value.

JP+ projects Eastern Michigan for 5.9 wins in 2026, a modest improvement from last year's 4-8 record that reflects the continuity around Kim despite significant offensive fragility elsewhere. The Eagles face their toughest tests on the road against Wisconsin, Michigan State, and MAC rival Western Michigan, while home games against Kent State, Sacramento State, and Lindenwood offer the clearest paths to victories. If Kim can elevate the surrounding cast and the defense shows marginal improvement, Eastern Michigan could push toward bowl eligibility in the wide-open MAC. If the offensive supporting pieces struggle to replace Lockett's production, another sub-.500 season looms likely.