Eastern Michigan opened the 2026 season on a high note Saturday night, taking down Sacramento State 28-17 at Rynearson Stadium in a historic season opener for both programs.
The victory gave Eastern Michigan its 500th win in program history, while Sacramento State played its first game as an FBS program and its first as a football member of the Mid-American Conference.
Noah Kim Leads the Way
Quarterback Noah Kim was the difference-maker for the Eagles, completing 27 of 38 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Eastern Michigan took control in the second.
Kim opened the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run to finish a nine-play, 79-yard drive. Sacramento State answered with a 40-yard Grant Meadors field goal, but EMU quickly responded when Kim found Kozy Isaac for a 40-yard touchdown.
A Sacramento State turnover then gave the Eagles another short field, and Braydon Bennett capitalized with a seven-yard touchdown run to stretch the advantage to 21-3.
The Hornets found some life before halftime when Fata Puloka forced a Kim fumble that Xavier Williams returned 29 yards for a touchdown, cutting Eastern Michigan’s lead to 21-10 heading into the break.
Eagles Defense Keeps Sacramento State in Check
Sacramento State’s offense struggled to consistently move the football against Eastern Michigan’s defense.
The Hornets finished with just 270 total yards, including only 49 rushing yards, while converting three of their 14 third-down attempts. Eastern Michigan wasn’t dominant on the ground either, finishing with 69 rushing yards, but Kim and the passing game helped the Eagles finish with 348 total yards.
Zach Mowchan was everywhere defensively for Eastern Michigan, recording a team-high 14 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Sacramento State Refuses to Go Away
Eastern Michigan appeared to put the game away early in the fourth quarter when Kim connected with Nick Devereaux for a 31-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-10.
Sacramento State responded with perhaps its best offensive possession of the night. The Hornets went 75 yards in 10 plays, with freshman Isaiah Ene finishing the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to make it 28-17 with 8:23 remaining.
The Hornets got one final opportunity to make things interesting, moving into Eastern Michigan territory before Jason Marshall intercepted Carson Conklin with 3:28 remaining. The turnover effectively sealed the victory for the Eagles.
Conklin finished 25-of-46 passing for 221 yards and an interception, while Onterrio Smith Jr. led Sacramento State’s receivers with nine catches.
A Strong Start for Eastern Michigan
It wasn’t a flawless performance, but Eastern Michigan did what it needed to do.
Kim looked comfortable running the offense, the Eagles created explosive plays through the air, and the defense consistently made Sacramento State work for yards. Most importantly, Eastern Michigan starts the year 1-0 overall and 1-0 in MAC play.
For Sacramento State, the final score doesn’t tell the entire story. The Hornets’ defense and special teams created problems for EMU, including a blocked punt and a defensive touchdown, and Sacramento State continued fighting after falling behind by 18 points. There were encouraging signs in the program’s first test at the FBS level.
Eastern Michigan will now turn its attention to San Jose State on Friday, while Sacramento State returns home to face Mississippi Valley State on Saturday.
