Eastern Michigan University football has officially signed 18 new student-athletes to its roster for the 2025 season during the early signing period.
In a unique twist, none of the signees hail from Michigan; the group represents 11 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. The class includes 12 defensive players and six offensive players, providing a balanced infusion of talent.
The Eagles’ quarterback of the future appears to be Bryce Button from South Warren High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Button threw for 8,344 yards and 95 touchdowns during high school, adding 21 rushing touchdowns to showcase his dual-threat ability. Running back Amareon Blue, from C.E. Jordan High School in North Carolina, brings over 6,000 career rushing yards and 93 touchdowns to Eastern Michigan, making him one of the most productive recruits in recent memory.
Wide receivers Harold Mack and Nate Lyman will add versatility and skill to the offense. Mack earned all-conference honors from Wayne High School in Indiana and consistently showcased big-play ability. From Kings Mills, Ohio, Lyman recorded 3,009 career receiving yards and 33 touchdowns, ranking among the top in Ohio’s high school history.
Eastern Michigan signed Tamarley Smith from Ontario, Canada, and Cole Powell from Erie, Colorado, to strengthen the offensive line. Smith is Ontario’s top-rated recruit, while Powell didn’t allow a single sack during his senior year, earning him second-team all-conference honors.
The defensive line is bolstered by six additions: Quincy Byas from Missouri, Duke Clayton from Mississippi, Milan Colvin from Kansas, Antoniyo Smith from Georgia, Hector Gonzalez from Mexico, and Kevin Wojciechowski from Wisconsin. Byas, Missouri’s all-time sack leader, brings unmatched pass-rushing skills, while Clayton and Gonzalez add size and physicality. Colvin, a two-time wrestling state champion, provides athleticism and toughness. Smith and Wojciechowski add depth and proven track records of disruption in the backfield.
The secondary sees five recruits, including Tylan Boykin from Ohio, Jonnie Carter from Florida, Zavian Dilworth from Mississippi, Zah’eed Pierre from Florida, and Donmiel Rogers from Ohio. Boykin, a former high school quarterback, brings versatility, while Carter is one of EMU’s highest-rated recruits. Dilworth adds junior college experience, Pierre helped lead his team to its first regional final, and Rogers brings leadership and playmaking ability to the defensive backfield.
Linebacker Noah Knigga from Indiana brings impressive credentials to the program, having recorded 318 career tackles and 67 tackles for loss while earning four all-conference selections.
This year’s class includes 16 true freshmen, 14 of whom earned three-star ratings from National Recruiting Services, and two transfers already enrolled for the winter semester. Established by the NCAA in 2017, the Early Signing Period allows high school seniors to secure their futures ahead of National Signing Day in February.
With recruits from across North America, this signing class highlights Eastern Michigan’s ability to attract diverse and talented athletes. Fans can look forward to seeing these new Eagles take the field in 2025 as they work to shape the program’s future.
