East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) will participate in the 2024 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Football Kickoff event at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on July 18-19. Head Coach Chris Creighton, entering his 11th season, will be joined by tight end Jere Getzinger and defensive lineman Justin Jefferson.

The media-focused event begins on Friday, July 19, from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m., with live coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN+. The event will feature segments on each of the 12 MAC programs. Fans can follow updates through EMU's social media channels.

The EMU representatives will participate in several activities, including interviews with Cleveland.com/MLive.com and producing videos for the MAC. Additionally, there will be an 11 a.m. press conference with MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher.

Getzinger and Jefferson are scheduled to tour the Hall of Fame and attend the MAC Student-Athlete Event at Brew Kettle & TopGolf Swing Suites in the Hall of Fame Village on Thursday evening.

This year marks EMU's 133rd year of football since its inception in Ypsilanti in 1891. The team has participated every year except for the canceled season during World War II in 1944.

EMU is entering its 49th season in the MAC since joining in 1973 but began playing football within the league in 1976. Since 2016, all MAC teams have appeared in at least one bowl game, with EMU tying for most appearances alongside Ohio and Toledo.

Senior defensive back David Carter Jr. has been nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team due to his commitment to community service.

Six Eagles were named Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele, while Athlon Sports recognized fifteen EMU players as Preseason All-MAC honorees.

Chris Creighton has led Eastern to a cumulative September record of 15-13 since taking over as head coach in 2016.

Justin Jefferson made significant contributions last season with notable performances against Akron and consistent defensive play throughout the year. Jere Getzinger also had a standout collegiate career marked by academic excellence and key performances during games.

EMU’s new gray turf field was recently named "Crosby Field" after Maxx Crosby donated $1 million to the Athletics Department.

Eastern Michigan’s non-conference schedule this year includes games against UMass, Washington, Jacksonville State, and St. Francis (Pa.).

The team opens its season against UMass on August 31 under Coach Creighton’s tenure for only the third time away from Ypsilanti.