Eastern Michigan QB Noah Kim granted extra year of eligibility by NCAA
Kim started all 12 games for EMU in 2025 after playing in 16 across his prior five years and was a prolific passer in the MAC.
Eastern Michigan quarterback Noah Kim has been granted an extension of eligibility waiver and is returning with the Eagles for the 2026 season, the program announced on Wednesday.
It's a move the Eagles have been working on behind the scenes since the close of the 2025 season, which has now come to fruition to bring back an integral part of the offense.
Kim, who began his career at Michigan State before transferring to Coastal Carolina and, eventually, Eastern Michigan, started all 12 games at quarterback for the Eagles in 2025, as EMU finished 4-8. He led the MAC in passing with 2817 yards — 297 yards clear of the next closest passer.
"It is a tremendous blessing to return for another year and compete alongside my brothers and the coaching staff as we continue elevating Eastern Michigan football," Kim said in a release announcing his return. "I extend my sincere appreciation to God, Coach Creighton, the entire coaching staff, my teammates, and the athletics department for their unwavering support in making my return possible. We have a lot to look forward to this year!"
Kim spent four seasons at MSU, sitting out the first two in 2020 (Covid) and 2021 (redshirt). He appeared in four games in 2022 and opened the 2023 season as the starter, starting the first five games of the season before injuries cost him the final seven.
Kim transferred to Coastal Carolina that offseason and played in seven games for the Chanticleers in 2024.
With 16 career games under his belt through five years, Kim came to Ypsilanti for 2025 and competed for the starting job, winning it and pacing one of the more productive offenses in the MAC.
In 12 games in 2025, Kim threw for 2817 yards while completing 61 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for six touchdowns and 186 yards. Kim also got voted a captain by his teammates in his first season at Eastern Michigan.
His return is a boon for a program that is trying to get back to a bowl for the first time since 2023.
"Getting Noah back for another year is huge news for our program," head coach Chris Creighton said in the release. "A second year in our system gives him an opportunity to really reach his full potential. He will be a two-time captain and led the MAC in passing this past year. We are fired up."
