Noah Kim's Seventh Year: EMU QB Eyes 2026 Breakout

At 24 years old and entering his seventh college football season, Eastern Michigan quarterback Noah Kim is set to lead the Eagles in 2026 — a rare opportunity made possible by an NCAA eligibility waiver. After a breakout 2025 campaign in which he started every game and ranked second in the Mid-American Conference in passing, Kim is now positioned as one of the most experienced signal-callers in the nation. His return, confirmed in March after the NCAA approved his extension of eligibility, has injected optimism into an EMU program aiming for its first MAC championship since 1987.

From Westfield to Ypsilanti: Kim's Unconventional Path

Kim's football journey has been anything but linear. A Virginia state champion at Westfield High School, he initially committed to Virginia Tech before flipping to Michigan State. As a Spartan, he saw limited action behind established starters, throwing for 174 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 before an injury-plagued 2023 that sidelined him for seven games. That injury, combined with the NCAA's blanket COVID-year waiver, laid the groundwork for the NCAA eligibility waiver appeal that ultimately granted him a seventh season. After a one-year stint at Coastal Carolina, Kim transferred to Eastern Michigan in 2025, where he finally seized a full-time starting role.

2025: A Star Turn

In 2025, Kim completed 247 of 402 passes for 2,817 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He led the MAC in passing yards and points accounted for (150), while EMU's offense ranked third in the conference in total offense (377.3 yards per game). Kim became only the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every game, earning team MVP honors and the E Gridiron Group's Newcomer of the Year award.

2026 Season Outlook: Leadership and Lofty Goals

Now, as one of the oldest players in college football, Kim embraces a mentor role. Teammates call him "Unc," a nod to his veteran status. "I want to establish leadership early in spring workouts and improve in every category," Kim said. Head coach Chris Creighton, entering his 13th season, called Kim's return "huge news" for a program that has reached four bowl games in six years but never won a MAC title game.

Offensive Weapons and Schedule

The Eagles return several key skill players, including wide receiver Darius Lassiter and running back Jaylon Jackson, giving Kim the supporting cast to build on 2025's success. The schedule features a marquee week-two matchup at Michigan State — a "full-circle moment" for Kim against his former team — and a winnable MAC slate that positions EMU as a dark horse in the MAC football championship race.

National Implications and NFL Draft Stock

Kim's unique age and experience have drawn attention from NFL scouts. While he is not projected as an early-round pick, a strong 2026 season could elevate his standing in a quarterback class dominated by bigger names. "He processes the game at an NFL level," an anonymous scout told the Eastern Echo. "The question is physical tools." For now, Kim remains focused on the present: delivering EMU its first conference title in nearly four decades. His journey mirrors broader trends in the 2026 NFL Draft quarterback evaluations where super-seniors are increasingly common.

FAQ: Noah Kim's Unprecedented College Career

Why is Noah Kim playing a seventh college season?

The NCAA granted Kim an eligibility waiver based on a combination of the 2020 COVID-year exception, a redshirt season, and an injury-marred 2023 campaign that limited him to just a handful of games. The waiver allowed him to return for 2026 as a graduate student.

How did Noah Kim perform in 2025?

In his first year at Eastern Michigan, Kim started all 12 games, throwing for 2,817 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He led the MAC in passing yards and was named the team's Newcomer of the Year.

What are Noah Kim's NFL prospects?

Kim is considered a potential late-round pick or priority free agent. Scouts praise his decision-making and experience but question his arm strength and mobility. A productive 2026 season could significantly improve his stock.

When does Eastern Michigan play Michigan State in 2026?

The Eagles visit Michigan State on September 12, 2026, in a highly anticipated matchup for Kim, who began his career with the Spartans.