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As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Mid-American Conference finds itself at an intriguing crossroads. Long known for midweek "MACtion" and unpredictable outcomes, the MAC is entering this season with a deep pool of veteran talent, emerging coaches, and programs that are no longer content to be overlooked. With conference realignment shaking up the national landscape, stability in the MAC has allowed schools to build continuity and develop rosters with experience and chemistry.
While Toledo enters as the favorite once again, the gap is certainly narrowing at the top of the conference. Miami and defending conference champion Ohio return with strong quarterback play, while up-and-comers like Buffalo and Bowling Green are positioning themselves for a run at the title. Meanwhile, coaching changes at programs like Ball State and Kent State inject new energy (and new questions) into the mix. Finally, we also have a second act within the MAC with UMass making its return back into the conference after venturing into the independent football landscape for the last decade.
With a mix of gritty defense, high-octane offenses, and plenty of late-season drama, the MAC is poised to deliver another chaotic, compelling campaign. Here's a team-by-team breakdown and what to expect as the race for Detroit (and a shot at national attention) heats up in the heartland.
While Kenni Burns has been relieved of his duties after going 1-23 in the last two seasons, there still isn’t much to be excited about. Their top receiver in Chrishon McCray entered the transfer portal and a defense that allowed over 44 points per game last season has question marks all over the field once again.
Becoming the newest member of the MAC should benefit both the conference and UMass in the long term. As for this year? New Head Coach Joe Harasymiak only has five starters returning from a team that was one of the worst in College Football.
Already facing an uphill battle with three returning starters from last year, losing Kadin Semonza to the Transfer Portal will make the first season under new Head Coach Mike Uremovich even more difficult.
While Joe Moorhead is doing everything possible to get Akron out of the College Football Basement, consistently losing their best players to the Portal and now the APR Suspension continues to hold this program back. Ben Findlay at least gives Akron an opportunity to surpass expectations.
The Matt Drinkall Era begins at Central Michigan after achieving success at Army and Kansas Wesleyan based on his offense mind. But can he succeed as a head coach at the FBS Level?
There’s going to be a significant number of new faces throughout the entire starting lineup. However, Chris Creighton is an underrated coach, so I won’t be surprised if they hit bowl eligibility once again.
The Broncos are going to need several new faces to contribute right away in order to be successful this year. The Good news? Jalen Buckley and Blake Bosma are both back and are ready to lead the Western Michigan Offense in 2025.
Eddie George becomes the new Head Coach of Bowling Green after a surprise coaching change late in the offseason. Missouri Transfer Drew Pyne should stabilize the floor of the offense while a long-term option can be sought out for.
While Northern Illinois only returns three starters, Thomas Hammock will have the blessing of a deep backfield headlined by Telly Johnson, Jaylen Poe, and Romelo Ware. That only should make this team an Darkhorse to win the MAC.
The Bulls have shown significant improvement under the direction of Pete Lembo. Now, he has one of the most experienced teams in the MAC that’s poised to compete for the MAC Crown. It just hinges on the growth of Ta’Quan Roberson who transfers from Kansas State.
The Bobcats may have a different head coach this fall, but I don’t expect much of a fall off from the defending MAC Champs. Parker Navarro is back to lead the team, but question marks on the offensive line as well as the defense could prevent Ohio from pulling off the repeat.
DeQuan Finn returns back to MACtion after spending last season at Baylor. He’s going to be extremely helpful in hiding the roster overhaul that’s currently taking place among the rest of the roster. However, Chuck Martin is a proven winner that will find a way to keep the RedHawks in the MAC Title Hunt even with a more difficult conference schedule.
Not only is Tucker Gleason back to run the show, but they also worked hard in the transfer portal in order to address a rushing attack that underachieved last fall. Therefore, with a lethal combination of talent and experience, it’s MAC Title or bust for Jason Candle’s Team.
