Son of D1 college head coach, Creighton primed to ‘Rock’ in 2025

When it comes to football and leadership, Salem senior quarterback Luke Creighton is a chip off the old block (although his 56-year-old dad, Chris, is far from “old”).

And thanks to a diligent off-season workout regimen, the younger Creighton will be a much bigger “chip” for defenders to deal with than he was in 2024.

Weighing in at 180 pounds (packing close to 20 pounds more muscle than his max weight as a junior), Luke Creighton is the son of Eastern Michigan University Head Coach Chris Creighton, who along with serving as the architect of an EMU football renaissance since taking the reins of the Eagles in 2014, was a record-setting quarterback at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

Story behind number change

“I wore my dad’s college number (8) until this year when I switched to (Buffalo Bills QB) Josh Allen’s number 17,” Luke revealed. “My dad took my change of numbers pretty well (he flashed a broad grin).

“I got an opportunity to watch Josh Allen twice in person when Eastern played Wyoming (both EMU victories) and I could tell then he was going to be a stud in the NFL.

“I like how he’s a dual-threat guy, which is what I want to be more of this season.”

Luke Creighton was a prolific passer for Salem in 2024, leading a pro-style offense that averaged over 23 points per game.

Although the Rocks finished 2-7, five of their setbacks were one-score games.

Creighton has developed a solid chemistry with senior receiver Nye Turner, who displayed next-level talent throughout his junior season at Salem.

Bigger, faster, stronger

“I’m bigger and stronger this season, so I want to try to run a little more than I did last year,” he said.

(Click here to watch Luke Creighton thread a pass to a well-covered receiver during a 7v7 game this summer.)

As Michigan’s only son of a current D1 college coach to be a starting high school QB this season, Luke admitted this unique distinction has its benefits, “although my dad’s been the coach at Eastern for as long as I can remember, so I don’t know anything else.

“My dad is always there when I ask him for advice, but he doesn’t put any pressure on me. He’s pretty chill when it comes to me playing football.”

Already the recipient of offers to play football  for Indiana Wesleyan and Calvin College, Creighton is also on the radar of Division II Northwood University, which is expected to have a coach present to watch him when the Rocks play Howell in Week 2.

Although it’s still early, Creighton said he’s planning to pursue a degree in sports management at whatever next-level school he attends.

“I’d love to be a football coach someday, like my dad,” he said. “One thing of many I’ve learned from my dad about leadership is that every player is different. You have to coach some players harder than others, depending on their personalities.”

Athlete for all seasons

Creighton was a rare three-sport athlete at Salem during his junior year, adding varsity letters in basketball and golf to the one he earned in football.

“I love playing sports year-round,” he said. “My parents always encouraged me to play as many sports as I could.”

Despite being a relative new-comer to golf, he carded multiple rounds in the 70s this past spring for the Rocks’ state-ranked golf team.

Creighton’s summer has been anything but dull.

Along with working out and playing for Salem’s 7v7 football team, he served as an equipment intern for EMU’s football team.

Naturally, the position players he assisted were the quarterbacks.

Like father, like son.

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.