New year, new rosters.
Some new faces, some new reasons to find hope in this year’s team.
If it’s spring and summertime, then you know college football previews are going to be all over the place soon. Here at The Ypsilanti Eleven, I’m going to be going through every single MAC football roster and give you a pretty straight-forward look at each roster with some notes scribbled next to most of everybody’s name.
Which starters are returning? How many transfers come in at each position group? Those important questions will be answered below.
Of course, we have to begin this series with the home team. Leading off with Eastern Michigan’s roster, we’ll look at each position’s unit and see what the raw turnover and retention numbers look like, and introduce ourselves to the names of freshman and transfer newcomers.
We’ll have more time this summer to properly preview teams and situations around the MAC, but now’s the time to get to know the names on these rosters.
EMU went 4-8 in 2025, and marked the third-straight year of finishing the season with a losing record. It was also the first time since 2012 when EMU lost to an FCS opponent (Long Island, 28-23). The team’s last winning record came in 2022, when EMU went 9-4 and won its first bowl game in 35 years. But the last time EMU failed to win five games in a season, Chris Creighton was in his second season with the program. They went 1-11 in 2015.
Now it’s lucky number 13th season for Chris Creighton at EMU.
While Creighton was able to get QB Noah Kim to return to lead the offensive side of the ball, he’s going to have a lot of new guys coming into the system trying to block for him, and he’s going to end up throwing to new receivers, too. One thing I noticed while doing these notes: Creighton made sure to make the receiver room a little bit taller this year.
The defense in 2026 was remarkably bad against the run last year (232.1 rush yards/game, nation’s worst), and here come eight defensive transfers to try and address that issue in the unit’s front six.
Here’s what’s changed, or remained the same, about EMU’s roster since it ended in November:
EMU Football Roster Breakdown
RETURN (Starters*) | DEPART | INCOMING | |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Offense | 22 (5) | 29 (6) | 27 |
Total Defense | 36 (5) | 19 (6) | 22 |
Total Specialists | 4 (1) | 2 (2) | 3 |
Offense
QUARTERBACKS
Returning starter
#1 Noah Kim — Second-year transfer from Coastal Carolina, where he played seven games. Began career at Michigan State, made 5 starts in 2023. Enters his seventh year of college football. Led MAC in pass yards (2,817), attempts (402), and completions (247) last year. Added 18 TD with 11 INT, and a team-best 6 rush TD (79 att., 186 rush yards). From Centreville, Va. (Westfield).
Also returns
#12 Jace Stuckey — Third-year signee from Fairland, Ind. (Triton Central).
#19 Bryce Button — Second-year signee from Bowling Green, Ky. (South Warren).
Roster losses
Cameron Edge — Transfer to Morgan State.
Jeremiah Salem — Transfer to Eastern Illinois.
New additions
#13 Nick Kinsey — Freshman signee from Akron, Ohio (Archbishop Hoban).
Brogan McCaughey — YALE TRANSFER. From Cincinnati (St. Xavier). Career: 3 games, 390 pass yards, 32/53 passing, 2 TD, 7 rushes, 26 yards, 1 rush TD.
Noah Kim received a 7th-year waiver to make the 2026 season his final one of college ball. After four years at Michigan State, one at Coastal Carolina, and two at EMU, he’s finally coming into the year with the ‘returning senior’ label next to him. Behind Kim, there’s not a lot of experience. A first, second, and third-year guy apiece, all signed to EMU from high school is an optimal look, and there’s Brogan McCaughey, a transfer from Yale with limited playing time there to be curious about.
RUNNING BACKS
Returning players
#20 Amareon Blue — Second-year signee from Dallas, N.C. (C.E. Jordan).
#24 Joey Mattord — Fourth-year signee from Hartland, Mich. (Hartland). One start in 2025. Career: 21 games, 35 rush att., 166 yards, 2 TD, 14 catches, 148 receiving yards.
Roster losses
JT Bronaugh — Transfer to Western Carolina.
Tavierre Dunlap — 11 games and 3 starts made after transfer from Michigan. Rushed for 428 yards on 103 carries for EMU.
James Jointer Jr. — Transfer to Central Arkansas.
Dontae McMillan — Career with EMU: 22 games, 1,133 rush yards on 211 carries, 5 rush TD, 36 receptions, 388 yards. Was an All-Big Sky performer with Weber State.
Jayvin Norman — Career: 4 rush att., 8 yards. 23 kick returns, 432 yards.
New additions
#21 Malachi James — SYRACUSE TRANSFER. Played in 8 games over two years. Nine career kickoff returns for 168 yards, and two rush attempts. From Willingboro, N.J. (Burlington City).
#22 Decorie Johnson — Freshman signee from Orlando, Fla. (Winter Park).
#28 Braydon Bennett — VIRGINIA TECH TRANSFER. Previously: Coastal Carolina. Played in 48 career games since 2020; 1,962 career rushing yards on 325 carries, 25 rush TD, 771 receiving yards on 77 catches, and 4 receiving TD. From Greenville, S.C. (Southside).
Nazir Jones-Davis — Freshman signee from Philadelphia (Bishop McDevitt). Career 3,798 rushing yards and 45 TD in HS.
While Joey Mattord is a recognizable body in all the changes here, we’ll have to see how much these other transfers do in the spring and summer, too. Here’s some projectable synergy for you: incoming transfer, Braydon Bennett, was a teammate with QB Noah Kim in 2024 at Coastal Carolina.
OFFENSE | RETURN (Starters*) | DEPART | INCOMING |
|---|---|---|---|
Quarterback | 3 (1) | 2 | 2 |
Running back | 2 | 5 (1) | 4 |
Wide receiver | 8 (1) | 7 (2) | 7 |
Tight end | 4 (1) | 3 | 4 |
Offensive line | 5 (2) | 12 (3) | 10 |
Total Offense | 22 (5) | 29 (6) | 27 |
WIDE RECEIVERS
Returning starter
#81 Nick Devereaux — Fifth-year transfer from Davenport (D2). From Troy, Mich. (Brother Rice). Last year: All-MAC Third Team, 10 starts, team leader in receiving (510 yards and 7 TD) with 34 catches. Just one catch for 7 yards in 2024.
Also returns
#11 Antonio Floyd — Third-year signee from Atlanta, Ga. (Lovejoy). Three games played; caught a six-yard pass at Kentucky.
#17 Benson Prosper — Second-year transfer from Hutchinson C.C.; previously: Highland C.C. At EMU: 11 games played, 2 starts, 21 catches, 177 yards, 9 rush attempts for 41 yards. In JUCO: 95 catches, 1,314 yards, 8 TD. From Hollywood, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic).
#18 Mekhi Fox — Second-year transfer from Pasadena City College. Spent first two college seasons at Colorado State (1 start in 2022). Had a 51-yard reception vs. Ohio in lone game played for EMU. From Pasadena, Calif. (Pasadena).
#23 Harold Mack — Second-year signee from Fort Wayne, Ind. (Wayne). Started final four games of 2025 season. As a freshman: 20 catches, 333 yards, and 2 TD. Also had 6 rush yards on 2 attempts.
#29 Nate Lyman — Second-year signee from Kings Mills, Ohio (Kings).
#85 Santonyo Isaac — Second-year signee from Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Bay Tech).
#86 Dalin Wilkins — Third-year signee from Dayton, Ohio (Northmont).
Roster losses
Terry Lockett Jr. — Transfer portal. Honored with #2 jersey last season. With EMU, caught 68 passes for 957 yards and scored 6 TD. Was a Third Team All-MAC honoree in 2024. Suffered a season-ending injury after 5 starts in 2025. Transfer from Michigan State.
Zyell Griffin — Originally a transfer from UNLV.
Jamarien Wheeler — Transfer portal. EMU career: 25 games, 25 receptions, 312 yards, 2 TD. Came to EMU from Iowa Central CC.
Porter Rooks — 2025: 12 games, 11 starts, 27 catches, 221 yards. Transfer from NC State in 2024.
Elijah Holmes-Holt — Transfer portal.
CJ Wilson — Transfer to Louisiana-Monroe.
Tyree Lockett — Transfer portal.
New additions
#25 Quinn Fracassi — VALPARAISO TRANSFER. Rejoins EMU after spending 2025 season at Valpo. From Howell, Mich. (South Lyon), originally joined EMU as preferred walk-on in 2022. EMU career: 3 catches, 9 yards.
#80 Shawn Fishwick — Freshman signee from Cedarville, Ohio (Xenia).
#82 Cayden Burger — HOLMES C.C TRANSFER. First year of JUCO: 13 receptions, 161 yards, 2 TD, 11 rushes, 58 yards. From Petal, Miss. (Petal).
#84 JT Beasley — NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI C.C. TRANSFER. First two years of JUCO ball: 16 games, 41 receptions, 737 yards, 6 TD. From Saltillo, Miss. (Saltillo).
#89 Carl Jean-Bart — Freshman signee from Lake Alfred, Fla. (Evans).
CJ Miller — Freshman signee from Miami, Fla. (Palmetto).
Bacori Minner — Freshman signee from St. Louis, Ga. (Meadowcreek).
With the MAC’s passing leader in yards and attempts returning to the EMU side, I think EMU’s going to want to keep the ball in the air and win with its receivers making big plays. So who’s the guy that defenses will have to key-in on? Nick Devereaux had a breakout, All-MAC type year, and Harold Mack has a good chance to build on the year he ended up with. JT Beasley is walking into the WR room with the biggest body (6’3”, 205 lbs.), so his instant production is bound to be emphasized. Freshman Bacori Minner is the only other one listed at that height. Of the 15 receivers at EMU, five are listed at 6’2” or 6’3”. Last year, two of 14 were listed as tall as 6’2”.
TIGHT ENDS
Returning starter
#87 Joshua Long — Second-year transfer from El Camino College. All-MAC Second Team honoree last year; 10 starts made, EMU-best 37 receptions, 357 yards. From Los Angeles, Calif. (Loyola).
Also returns
#16 Jackson Holt — Second-year transfer from Laney College. Joined as QB, made position change last year. From Oakdale, Calif. (Oakdale).
#43 Payton Kokaly — Signed in 2025, joins roster in 2026. From Saginaw, Mich. (Davison).
#88 Tanner Lemaster — Second-year transfer from Kentucky. Last year: 10 games, 5 receptions, 69 yards. From Washington Court House, Ohio (Washington).
Roster losses
Nick Harris — 2025: 12 games played, 1 catch. Joined as UConn transfer.
Braden Laux — Transfer to California of Pennsylvania (D2).
Caden Vanderbush — Transfer to St. Francis (NAIA).
New additions
#44 Adon Turner — BUTTE C.C. TRANSFER. Previously: Quincy (D2). From Chico, Calif. (Chico). In JUCO: 19 games, 51 receptions, 612 yards, 8 TD. Named JUCO All-American in 2024, set Butte season receiving records for a tight end - 10 games, 31 rec., 412 yards, 7 TD.
#45 Armaad Sharp — Freshman signee from East St. Louis, Ill. (East St. Louis).
#48 Nathan Piggott — Freshman signee from Troy, Mich. (Athens).
#49 Brady Shelton — Freshman signee from Brighton, Mich. (Brighton).
EMU returns Joshua Long, who led the team with 37 receptions last year. Adon Turner could provide some receiving depth, along with Tanner Lemaster.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Returning starters
#65 Nicholas Gallegos — Starting center for 9 games in 2025, after Everett Small moved to LT to replace injured Mack Indestad. From Naperville, Ill. (Neuqua Valley).
#66 Joshua Anderson — 16 career starts made, 13 at right tackle. From Florissant, Mo. (Westminster Christian Academy).
Also returns
#60 Cole Powell — Second-year signee from Erie, Colo. (Erie).
#62 Adham Abouraya — Second-year transfer from Pittsburgh. From Downingtown, Pa. (Downingtown East).
#78 Dennis Strey Jr. — Fifth-year signee. 17 games played over last two seasons. From Paw Paw, Mich. (Paw Paw).
Roster losses
Gabriel Arnold
Dodji Dahoue — Made 5 starts at right tackle before season-ending injury.
Mack Indestad — Transfer to UCLA. Three starts at left tackle in 2025 before injury (then came back for a fourth), five starts in 2024.
Chris Mayo — Six starts made between 2024 and 2023 seasons; DNP 2025.
Mickey Rewolinski — Third Team All-MAC guard in 2025. Started 32 total games.
Terrance Saunders — Transfer portal. Starting right guard for 4 games until Rewolinski’s return from injury.
Everett Small — Transfer to Rutgers. Starting center, then left tackle, last season.
Tamarley Smith — Transfer to Alabama A&M.
Owen Snively — Transfer to Boston College. Started 20 games at left guard.
Andrew Steger — Transfer to Eastern Kentucky.
Nicholas Sutherby
Spencer Webb — Transfer to Florida International. Made one start in regular season finale last year.
New additions
#55 Guzzy Kayed — ST. FRANCIS TRANSFER. Previously: Emory & Henry (D2). From Novi, Mich. (Potomac). Developed into starting left tackle for St. Francis.
#68 Tyler McMillan — ILLINOIS TRANSFER. Previously: Southeast Missouri State, Northwestern State, Mississippi Valley State. From Detroit (River Rouge).
#70 Samuel Adjin — Freshman signee from Quebec (Campus-Notre-Dame-de-Foy).
#71 Tyler Brumfield — OKLAHOMA STATE TRANSFER. Previously: Snow College. From Salem, Utah (Salem Hills).
#72 Cole Dellinger — MICHIGAN STATE TRANSFER. From Clarkston, Mich. (Clarkston) was a 4-star recruit. Has a brother (Matt) who played linebacker at Kent State, and another (Garrett) who played OL at LSU and is currently with the Baltimore Ravens.
#74 Carter Miculka — Freshman signee from Corunna, Mich. (Owosso).
#75 Elijha Payne — DELAWARE STATE TRANSFER. Previously: Arizona. From Las Vegas (Sierra Canyon). Played in 5 games for the Hornets.
#76 Nily Taylor — Freshman signee from Columbus, Ohio (Westerville North).
Andrew Trahin — Freshman signee from Fort Wayne, Ind. (Bishop Dwenger).
Richardo Wourman — WAYNE STATE TRANSFER. From Livonia, Mich. (Stevenson). Wayne State: Made 8 starts in 10 games with the D2-level school, was named the team’s offensive rookie of the year in 2024.
Lots of possibilities worth sorting throughout the spring and summer. While two guys return after making long stretches of starting at center (Nick Gallegos) and right tackle (Joshua Anderson), it’s worth treating this unit as if there are five open jobs. Six transfers (2 Big Ten, 1 Big XII, 2 FCS, 1 D2), but none of them have big profiles with 30+ games played or all-conference playing honors at previous stops. Guzzy Kayed turned into a left tackle for St. Francis last year, and Cole Dellinger comes from a promising, athletic family, though didn’t see game action at Michigan State. Neither did Tyler Brumfield at Oklahoma State or Tyler McMillan at Illinois (though, he did make left tackle starts at SE Missouri State and Northwestern State). There’s a lot to prove for this O-line unit.
Defense
DEFENSIVE LINE
Returning starter
#33 Carter Evans — Sixth-year signee, missed 2023 season to injury. Career: 36 games, 11 starts (all last year), 70 tackles (32 solo), 8 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 fumble. From Crystal Lake, Ill. (Prairie Ridge).
Also returns
#50 Kevin Wojciechowski — Second-year signee from Oak Creek, Wis. (Oak Creek).
#52 Javon Thomas — Third-year signee from East Lansing, Mich. (East Lansing). Played in nine games last year and made six tackles.
#54 Quincy Byas — Second-year signee from St. Louis, Mo. (De Smet Jesuit). Made 3 starts over the final 4 games in 2025, finished with 22 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks, and 5 hurries.
#55 Makhi Gilbert — Second-year transfer from Samford. Played in five games (started four) in 2025. Had 16 tackles (5 solo, 1.5 for loss) in debut season. From Phenix City, Ala. (Central).
#64 Noah Patterson — Third-year signee from South Point, Ohio (Ironton). Career: 14 games, 11 tackles (2 solo).
#85 Jefferson Adam — Third-year transfer from Iowa State. Began career at Hocking College in 2022. Missed 2025 season due to season-long injury. 2024: 12 games, 25 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks. From Ypsilanti (Washtenaw International).
#88 Ronn Hardin — Second-year transfer from Mt. San Antonio College. Made one start last year in eight games played. Registered 12 tackles (6 solo), 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks. From Cleveland, Ohio (Cleveland Heights).
#90 Hector Gonzalez — Third-year signee from Monterrey, Mexico/Rabun County, Ga. (Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School). Made 2 starts in 10 appearances, 16 tackles (6 solo), 1.5 TFL, 3 QBH, and 1 PBU last year.
#91 Reggie Gardner — Third-year signee from Southfield, Mich. (Southfield A&T). Three games played, four tackles made in 2025.
#93 Milan Colvin — Second-year signee from Wichita, Kan. (Derby).
#96 Antoniyo Smith — Second-year signee from Atlanta, Ga. (Lovejoy).
#99 Warren-Stevens Tayou — Second-year transfer from West Georgia. Played all 12 games last year, registered 17 tackles (5 solo), 1 TFL. From Inglewood, Calif. (Lawndale).
Roster losses
Alijah Alexander — Transfer portal.
Messiah Blair — Transfer to Jackson State. Made 2 starts last year, appeared in 12 games over 3 seasons.
Duke Clayton — Transfer to Jackson State. Played in eight games as 1-year transfer from Hutchinson C.C.
Matthew Foor — Transfer portal.
Donovan Green — EMU: 16 starts at NT. Last year: 55 tackles (44 solo), 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 QBH.
Tyrelle Martin — EMU: 13 starts at DT. Last year: 44 tackles (37 solo), 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QBH.
Sterling Miles — Transfer to UTEP. Played in 32 games since 2022, made 5 starts in 10 appearances last year. Recorded 48 total tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 3 blocked kicks.
Jason Morbitzer — Transfer to Northwood (D2). Joins the same recruiting class as Chris Creighton’s son, Luke.
New additions
#44 Mark Debiak — BUTLER C.C. TRANSFER. From Kansas City, Kan. (Gardner Egerton). In JUCO: 19 games, 69 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
#50 CJ McCoy — Freshman signee from Mascotte, Fla. (The First Academy).
#53 Alijah Lacey — GEORGIA MILITARY TRANSFER. Previously: Georgia Southern. In JUCO: 9 games, 22 tackles (16 solo), 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble. From Savannah, Ga. (New Hampstead).
#56 RJ Alphonse — Freshman signee from Lake Worth, Fla. (Chaminade-Madonna)
#58 Peyton Christian — LAMAR TRANSFER. From Kilgore, Texas (Kilgore). Career: 16 starts, 74 tackles (14 solo), 4.5 sacks.
#94 Brandon Simmons Jr. — Freshman signee from Pitman, N.J. (Glassboro).
#95 Owen Edlen — AIR FORCE TRANSFER. Missed 2025 season due to season-ending shoulder surgery. From Valparaiso, Ind. (Chesterton).
#98 Joseph Oluwayemi — HARDING TRANSFER. From Dallas, Texas (North Dallas). Career: 30 games in 2 seasons, 41 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks. Named all-conference last year; Harding reached 2025 national championship and the #1 scoring defense in D2 ranks (10.8 points per game allowed).
Colby Archie — DODGE CITY C.C. TRANSFER. From Jackson, Miss. (Jackson Academy). In JUCO: 18 games, 41 tackles, 9 TFL, 7 sacks.
Jahbarri Frost — Freshman signee from Louisville, Ky. (Trinity).
The defense as a whole might see some differences as Tate Omli and Kasey Teegardin were named co-defensive coordinators for the 2026 season. They’ll effectively replace the outgoing Ben Needham, who ended up being the team’s DC after Neal Neathery’s retirement in 2022. Also, defensive tackles coach: Zac Sias.
At ends, it’ll be a promising year if Carter Evans stays upright, and any sort of return from Jefferson Adam is welcomed; he had a promising 2024. Hector Gonzalez and Quincy Byas have shown that they’ve got some game. Two outgoing inside linemen, that could be rectified with the talent coming in to make the leap-up in competition.
DEFENSE | RETURN (Starters*) | DEPART | INCOMING |
|---|---|---|---|
Defense line | 13 (1) | 8 (3) | 10 |
Linebackers | 7 (1) | 4 (1) | 5 |
Defensive backs | 16 (3) | 7 (2) | 7 |
Total Defense | 36 (5) | 19 (6) | 22 |
LINEBACKERS
Returning starter
#11 Zach Mowchan — Sixth-year signee from Dillsburg, Pa. (Northern York). Eight starts over 2024 and 2025 seasons. Career: 25 games played, 82 tackles (30 solo), 2 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 fumble.
Also returns
#32 Ja'Quel Mack — Second-year transfer from Hutchinson C.C. Five games played in 2025. From Gonzales, La. (East Ascension)
#36 Colin Main — Third-year signee from Frankenmuth, Mich. (Frankenmuth).
#40 Bryce Eliuk — Fourth-year signee from Linden, Mich. (Linden). Made 2 starts last year, logged 17 total tackles (8 solo).
#43 Marvell Eggleston — Third-year signee from Detroit (King). Last year: 11 games, 7 tackles.
#45 Kadin Bailey — Second-year transfer from Syracuse. From Jefferson, Ga. (Jefferson). Played in one game for EMU in 2025.
#46 Noah Knigga — Second-year signee from Lawrenceburg, Ind. (Lawrenceburg).
Roster losses
Terrelle Elmore — Transfer to Southeast Missouri State.
Carter Herriman — Transfer portal.
Andrew Marshall — Transfer to Minnesota. 2025: 12 games, 6 starts with EMU, 61 tackles (30 solo), 3 TFL, 1 sack, 3 hurries.
Marco Patierno — Transfer portal. 2025: 3 starts, 9 games, 42 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 QBH. Was a Freshman All-American with Elon in 2023.
New additions
#32 Kijon Braxton — Freshman signee from Fairburn, Ga. (Langston Hughes).
#42 Jonah Flowers — BUTTE C.C. TRANSFER. From Surprise, Ariz. (Valley Vista). In JUCO; 20 games, 103 tackles, 12 TFL, 1.5 sacks.
#51 Elgin McDuffey — EAST CENTRAL C.C. TRANSFER. From Jackson, Miss. (Callaway). In JUCO: 20 games, 86 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 PBU, 3 INT.
#57 Aaron Kearse — Freshman signee from Americus, Ga. (Sumter County).
Zach Brown — Freshman signee from Steelton, Pa. (Bishop McDevitt).
The hope is that Zach Mowchan actually starts and completes a full football season. But whoever ends up playing next to him (or in his place), the number one priority from this group will be stopping the run. EMU has had the MAC’s worst run defense in two of the last three seasons.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Returning starters
#3 Barry Manning — Fifth-year signee, 14 career starts made. Career: 29 games, 110 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 5 PD, 3 fumbles. From Stone Mountain, Ga. (Tucker).
#4 Juan Salas — Second-year transfer from Mt. San Antonio College. 12 games played, 6 starts made last year. Made 34 tackles and 1 INT. From Eastvale, Calif. (Roosevelt).
#6 Bryce Llewellyn — Third-year transfer from Charleston Southern. All-MAC Second Team last year. Career: 14 starts, 111 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 INT, 8 PBU. From Indianapolis, Ind. (Cathedral).
Also returns
#8 Jaivian Norman — Fourth-year signee from Springfield, Ohio (Springfield). Career: 22 games, 9 starts, 40 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 3 PBU.
#13 Jason Marshall — Fifth-year signee from Trenton, Mich. (Trenton). Appeared in 12 games in 2023 and 2025 seasons, made 4 starts last year. Recorded 68 total tackles (31 solo), 1 PBU, and 1 blocked kick. Father, David, played for EMU from 1987-1991.
#16 Caleb Coley — Second-year transfer from Michigan State. From Warner Robins, Ga. (Houston County). Made 4 starts in eight games last year. 2025: 10 tackles (7 solo), 1 QBH.
#17 Caleb Dobbs — Fourth-year signee from Cocoa, Fla. (Cocoa). Made 3 starts last year at cornerback. 2025: 13 tackles (7 solo), 2 QBH.
#18 Dior Boyd — Second-year transfer from Dodge City C.C. Previously: Maryland, Garden City C.C. Played in one game last year. From Wilmington, Del. (Timber Creek Regional).
#19 Davion Williams — Second-year transfer from Charleston Southern. From Frostproof, Fla. (Frostproof).
#21 James Monds III — Second-year transfer from Middle Tennessee. Previously: Indiana. Played in all 12 games and made 3 starts last year. From Fort Pierce, Fla. (Vero Beach).
#23 Eli Lovett — Third-year signee from Huber Heights, Ohio (Wayne).
#26 Solomon Bell — Fourth-year transfer from Highland C.C. Career: 19 games, 7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU.
#29 Donmiel Rogers — Third-year signee from Cincinnati, Ohio (Winton Woods). 3 starts in 8 games played last year, 12 total tackles (5 solo).
#30 Tylan Boykin — Second-year signee from Akron, Ohio (Archbishop Hoban).
#34 Ray Hester — Third-year signee from Detroit (Chippewa Valley).
#37 Jonnie Carter — Second-year signee from Hollywood, Fla. (Charles W. Flanagan).
Roster losses
Joshua Scott — Transfer to Nevada. Played 24 games across 2022 and 2025 seasons, injured 2023 and 2024. Total 59 tackles (30 solo), 4 INT, 18 PBU. Named defensive MVP for 2022 Potato Bowl victory.
Dramarian McNulty — At EMU: 14 games, 34 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1 fumble.
Jesse Vasquez
Tyrelle Deener — Career: 19 games, 6 starts, 46 tackles (23 solo), 1 TFL, 1 INT, 4 PBU. Joined as Adrian College transfer in 2022.
Jaylyn Monds — Transfer to Duquesne.
Zah’eed Pierre — Transfer to Alabama A&M.
Zavian Dilworth — Transfer to Nicholls State.
New additions
#22 Fa'Rel Carter — Freshman signee from Indianapolis, Ind. (Decatur Central).
#24 Horace Glenn III — Freshman signee from Boynton Beach, Fla. (Atlantic).
#25 Rayquan Adkins — IOWA WESTERN TRANSFER. Previously: Cincinnati. From Miami, Fla. (Northwestern). Made one start as true freshman at Cincinnati.
#27 Marty Collins — Freshman signee from Millville, N.J. (Millville).
Jabari Monds — Freshman signee from Fort Pierce, Fla. (Westwood). Becomes third Monds brother to play for EMU.
Davontey Oliver — Freshman signee from Boynton Beach, Fla. (Somerset Academy Canyons).
Antonio Solares-Vitti — Freshman signee from Dearborn, Mich. (Divine Child).
Hurts to see Joshua Scott go via transfer, but it also hurt to watch his production dip after he suffered injuries from 2023 onward. He was an instant hit for this defense when he first transferred-in, and was a difference maker in EMU’s Potato Bowl victory. It’s hard to find talent as solid as his, but if EMU can just hit on one more guy like that at corner to go along with the experienced players already coming back to this secondary room, then this ought to be a promising and improved group in 2026.
Special Teams
SPECIALISTS | RETURN (Starters*) | DEPART | INCOMING |
|---|---|---|---|
Kicker | 2 (1) | 0 | 2 |
Punter | 1 | 1 (1) | 0 |
Long Snapper | 1 | 1 (1) | 1 |
Total Specialists | 4 (1) | 2 (2) | 3 |
KICKER, PUNTER, & LONG SNAPPER
Returning players
(K) #37 Nathan Dibert — Second-year transfer from LSU. Kickoff specialist for 2025: 59 kicks, 3,653 yards, 31 touchbacks. From Hartland, Mich. (Hartland).
(P) #39 Daniel Hull — Third-year transfer from Missouri. From Columbia, Mo. (Rock Bridge Senior).
(LS) #42 Jack Kautz — Second-year transfer from Missouri. From Sterling Heights, Mich. (Notre Dame Prep).
(K) #46 Rudy Kessinger — Third-year signee from Columbus, Ohio (Bishop Watterson). Was 17-for-23 on field goals in 2025 with a long of 50 yards. One punt for 36 yards, too.
Roster losses
P Mitchell Tomasek — Four-time All-MAC recipient, First Team honorree 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, Third Team player in 2025. 50 games, 211 punts, 9,428 yards, long of 72, 19 touchbacks, 43 fair catches, 60 land inside 20, 60 kicks of 50+ yards, never blocked.
LS Mitchell Dietzel (transfer to James Madison)
New additions
(K) #33 Adam Samaha — AKRON TRANSFER. Previously: Michigan, North Carolina. Spent 2023 and 2024 seasons at Michigan, spent just months at UNC before spending 2025 season at Akron. From Ypsilanti (Huron).
(LS) #38 Luke Grant — MEMPHIS TRANSFER. From Tallahassee, Fla. (Leon).
(P/K) Van Krisiloff — Freshman signee from Indianapolis, Ind. (Cathedral).
Losing Mitchell Tomasek is a giant loss, but fans can’t belly-ache over his graduation forever. Rudy Kessinger returns as the go-to placekicker and was a 74% kicker in his first full season. Looks like there’s going to be some competition with a couple of new legs added to the room over the winter.