Eastern Michigan University will welcome San Jose State University on Friday, September 4, for what marks the first regular‑season football meeting between the two programs. The Eagles enter the contest with a perfect 1‑0 record in Mid‑American Conference play and an overall 1‑0 start, while the Spartans arrive after a 0‑1 slide following a loss to No. 14 USC.
A Milestone Meeting
The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and on WEMU 89.1 FM, with play‑by‑play duo Evan Stockton and analyst Marcus Ray handling the ESPN+ feed, and longtime voices Tom Helmer and Rob Rubick calling the action on the radio.
Eastern Michigan is celebrating a historic milestone, having just recorded its 500th all‑time victory in a 28‑17 win over Sacramento State. That triumph not only extended the Eagles’ all‑time ledger to 500‑637‑47 but also underscored their ability to compete against California opponents, a rarity that has defined much of their recent schedule.
Head coach Chris Creighton, now in his 12th season, has guided the program to 56 non‑conference wins, with 44.6 % of those victories coming over the past dozen years. The upcoming matchup is part of EMU’s 135th varsity season and its 51st year in the Mid‑American Conference, highlighting the program’s deep roots and continued growth.
The Eagles’ recent performances have earned individual recognition, as Noah Kim was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week, Zach Mowchan earned Defensive Player of the Week, and Nick Devereaux took home Special Teams Player of the Week honors, reflecting the balanced excellence across the roster.
Beyond the scoreboard, the game represents a continuation of a trend in which Eastern Michigan has hosted California teams, having previously secured bowl victories over San Jose State and Sacramento State. The contest offers a chance to further cement the Eagles’ rising profile as they look to build on a strong start to the season.