“There’s lots of people speaking about Group of 5, Energy 4, the cash and the sources and NIL. It is in regards to the gamers and it is about lining up and banging heads and [may] one of the best man win. You noticed that [Saturday].” — Northern Illinois athletic director Sean Frazier, after the Huskies’ 2024 upset of Notre Dame.
The MAC is proof {that a} huge tent can produce often unbelievable issues. As faculty soccer retains trending towards closing up store and distributing extra money to fewer colleges, and because the thought of a so-called “tremendous league” — one that might both restrict or fully remove alternatives for MAC-level colleges — continues to waft round, this league and its groups preserve looking for methods to make noise. NIU’s huge second in 2024 proved that, given sufficient alternatives, they will nonetheless accomplish that. Up to now 25 seasons, MAC groups have scored 78 wins over power-conference groups, and whereas almost half of these have come from NIU (14), Bowling Inexperienced (12) and Toledo (11), 14 present and former MAC applications have posted a minimum of one.
Present circumstances are making issues awfully troublesome, although. The underside half of the MAC has at all times been fairly shaky, and 2024 was no exception: MAC groups occupied 4 of the underside 15 slots within the year-end SP+ rankings, which additionally ranked 0-12 Kent State because the worst FBS crew in 4 years. Then got here a brutal offseason during which (A) NIU organized to depart for the Mountain West in 2026, (B) MAC groups received hit more durable than anybody else by the switch portal and normal attrition (the MAC’s 41.1% returning manufacturing common was greater than 12 share factors beneath the nationwide common), (C) the reigning convention champion (Ohio) misplaced head coach Tim Albin to a Charlotte program that has had only one profitable season ever in FBS, and (D) Bowling Inexperienced head coach Scot Loeffler left for an NFL place coach job within the spring.
In a school soccer universe with NIL cash and unrestricted transfers, continuity is rising more and more troublesome in MACtion nation. However the convention nonetheless boasts some confirmed coaches and high-level expertise, and stars will inevitably emerge. Let’s preview the MAC!
All through the summer season, Invoice Connelly will preview each FBS convention, in the end together with all 136 FBS groups. The previews will embody 2024 breakdowns, 2025 previews and team-by-team capsules.
2024 recap
NIU stole the early headlines, however accidents and offensive struggles rendered Thomas Hammock’s Huskies an afterthought within the convention race. By midseason, it grew to become more and more clear that Ohio and Miami (Ohio) have been the MAC’s most secure bets. Miami beat Ohio 30-20 within the common season, however the Bobcats’ offense ignited from there, averaging 36.7 factors throughout a season-ending seven-game profitable streak that included a 38-3 throttling of Miami within the MAC championship recreation.
Continuity desk
The continuity desk seems at every crew’s returning manufacturing ranges (offense, protection and total), the variety of 2024 FBS begins from each returning and incoming gamers and the approximate variety of redshirt freshmen on the roster heading into 2025. (Why “approximate”? As a result of colleges generally make it very troublesome to establish who redshirted and who did not.) Continuity is an more and more troublesome artwork in roster administration, however some groups pull it off higher than others.
From Miami nook Raion Strader (Auburn) to Bowling Inexperienced operating again Terion Stewart (Virginia Tech) to NIU quarterback Ethan Hampton (Illinois) to Ball State tight finish Tanner Koziol (Houston) to numerous high-level Ohio defenders, MAC groups misplaced quite a few stars to power-conference colleges. In all, eight MAC groups (together with 4 with new head coaches) rank within the backside 18 in returning manufacturing.
Toledo and Buffalo largely prevented the identical destiny, nonetheless. The Rockets and Bulls each rank within the prime 50 in returning manufacturing, and through an intriguing nine-win season during which his Bulls improved from 119th to 87th in SP+, second-year Buffalo head coach Pete Lembo was capable of construct a strong base of redshirt freshmen as nicely.
Regardless of dropping Albin, Ohio tried continuity by selling offensive coordinator Brian Smith to move coach, and he was capable of maintain on to a minimum of a number of key items, together with quarterback Parker Navarro, left deal with Davion Weatherspoon and security DJ Walker. SP+ means that is likely to be sufficient to maintain the Bobcats in MAC rivalry.
2025 projections
Solely 4 groups begin out with top-100 projections, and so they make sense: They’re the 2 who performed within the title recreation final yr (Ohio and Miami) and the 2 who return probably the most from 2024 bowl groups (Toledo and Buffalo). The percentages of a minimum of a kind of groups clicking and taking part in at a top-50 or top-60 degree are fairly good.
The percentages are additionally fairly good that the underside portion of the convention goes to be awfully poor. UMass returns to the MAC with a brand new coach (former Rutgers assistant Joe Harasymiak) and nearly no expectations, and 4 of the underside 5 slots within the latest SP+ projections went to MAC groups.
(* Akron is ineligible for the postseason as a consequence of APR points.)
The aforementioned 4 top-100 groups have a mixed 65% probability of profitable the convention title. However I suppose which means there’s nonetheless a higher than one-in-three probability of an underdog run, huh?
5 finest video games of 2025
Listed below are the 5 convention video games that characteristic (A) the very best mixed SP+ scores for each groups and (B) a projected scoring margin of lower than 10 factors.
Oct. 11: Toledo at Bowling Inexperienced. Many of the MAC’s greatest video games happen as soon as the convention shifts to midweek MACtion video games in November, however this can be an early tone-setter between a proficient Toledo crew with a navigable early schedule and a BGSU crew with fairly a number of query marks and an intriguing new head coach in Eddie George.
Nov. 4: Miami (Ohio) at Ohio. Final yr’s two finest groups jockey for place. Miami is a projected favourite within the 5 video games previous this one.
Nov. 12: Toledo at Miami (Ohio). Two MACtion weeks, two big video games for Chuck Martin’s RedHawks.
Nov. 19: Miami (Ohio) at Buffalo. Make that three big video games in three weeks for Miami.
Nov. 28: Ohio at Buffalo. Buffalo’s schedule gives up an enormous alternative: After the season opener towards Minnesota, Lembo’s Bulls are projected favorites in 10 straight video games earlier than Ohio visits over Thanksgiving weekend.
Convention title (and, technically, CFP) contenders
Toledo Rockets
Head coach: Jason Candle (tenth yr, 73-40 total)
2025 projection: 72nd in SP+ (77th offense, 63rd protection), 8.8 common wins, 6.4 convention wins
It feels inconceivable to adequately consider Jason Candle. On one hand, regardless of operating this system with extra constant funding and high-quality recruiting than any convention mate, he is received solely two MAC titles in 10 years. It is at all times going to really feel just like the title price must be increased than that for the Rockets.
Then again, Candle’s Rockets have received 11 video games twice and have taken down Arkansas, Iowa State, BYU, Mississippi State and Pitt (the final two have been each in 2024). His subsequent win can be his 74th at UT, passing Gary Pinkel’s complete for probably the most at school historical past. He fielded some superior offenses early in his tenure, and when the Toledo protection crumbled a number of years in the past, he made a implausible defensive coordinator rent (Vince Kehres) to proper the ship. He is by no means completed with a dropping document. Mainly, he is been adequate to maintain his job however not fairly adequate to get employed away by power-conference applications. And with strong continuity (particularly at QB and in an excellent secondary), it certain looks like he’ll have an opportunity at a 3rd MAC title this season. After a season-opening go to to Kentucky, the Rockets are projected favorites in each remaining recreation.
Beating Mississippi State (by 24!) and Pitt however dropping to Akron, amongst others, definitely suggests issues went sideways for a bit final yr. The principle cause was an offense that slipped to 88th in offensive SP+, the worst rating of the Candle period. The Rockets scored 15 or fewer in 4 MAC video games, dropping all 4, and the run recreation was the first wrongdoer: The Rockets have been simply 124th in dashing success price. The road was leaning on children, and the RBs did not break almost sufficient tackles.
Candle did not make any main employees modifications however introduced in 4 offensive line transfers, plus operating backs Chip Trayanum (Kentucky) and Kenji Christian (NC A&T), to shore issues up. If these strikes work, the passing recreation, that includes veteran quarterback Tucker Gleason, final yr’s main receiver Junior Vandeross III and NIU switch Trayvon Rudolph — and, maybe, sophomore and former star recruit Zy’marion Lang — may very well be the first beneficiary.
There are fewer questions on protection, the place Kehres’ unit has averaged a 55.0 defensive SP+ rating over the past three seasons. Granted, each starter within the entrance six is gone, however finish Malachi Davis and deal with Martez Poynter are sturdy veterans, and the portal introduced gamers like finish Louce Julien (6.5 TFLs at UMass) and linebacker Hudson Miller (5 begins at Purdue). The secondary was the energy of the UT protection final yr, and 5 of final yr’s prime seven return, together with a dynamite nickel again in Braden Awls. Sophomore transfers Amare Snowden and Braedyn Moore, each former blue-chippers from Wisconsin, may contribute shortly too.
Ohio Bobcats
Head coach: Brian Smith (first yr)
2025 projection: eightieth in SP+ (83rd offense, 79th protection), 7.4 common wins, 5.7 convention wins
Ohio received 10 video games underneath Tim Albin in each 2022 and 2023 however misplaced an unbelievable 10 starters, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke (Indiana) and all-conference deal with Kurt Danneker (Baylor), to power-conference transfers. It was an absolute bounty of expertise strolling out the door. After which the Bobcats received 11 video games and a MAC title in 2024. It was simply among the finest teaching performances of the season. However as a substitute of making an attempt to tug off an analogous magic act in 2025, Albin left for a brand new challenge at Charlotte, and OC Brian Smith moved as much as the larger workplace.
In quarterback Parker Navarro (2,423 passing yards, 1,143 non-sack dashing yards in 2024), left deal with Davion Weatherspoon, security DJ Walker and nook Tank Pearson, plus returning operating again Sieh Bangura (who transferred to Minnesota in 2024 however returned), Smith saved some confirmed items in Athens, and by MAC requirements, continuity ranges aren’t too unhealthy. However the idea of the double-dip remains to be a scary one. They nonetheless should change their main receiver, a minimum of three beginning offensive linemen, a minimum of 4 rotation linemen and principally each linebacker for the second straight season. Even in the event you survive main turnover as soon as, having to take action yr after yr — and whereas altering head coaches, no much less — definitely brings about extra alternatives for regression.
Bangura’s return is a welcome one; he and Navarro type one of the vital confirmed MAC backfields, however they’re going to have an awfully new line in entrance of them. These answerable for solely 20 of final yr’s 70 OL begins are again, and 4 transfers, together with small-school starters Nick Marinaro (Dartmouth) and Josh Waite (Shippensburg), may need to make instant contributions. Main receiver Coleman Owen is gone too, probably leaving a big-play void.
Smith properly held on to defensive coordinator John Hauser, whose first Bobcat protection saved opponents each inefficient and nonexplosive in 2024.
Like Toledo, Ohio boasts way more confirmed entities within the again than within the entrance. The mix of Walker, Pearson, nickel Adonis Williams, transfers Rickey Hyatt Jr. (South Alabama) and Ronald Jackson Jr. (Montana) and maybe a teenager like sophomore Tony Mathis ought to preserve quarterbacks pissed off. However senior deal with Bralen Henderson will see numerous new rotation items round him. Senior ends Kaci Seegars and Walter Bob Jr. must be strong up entrance, however depth is an apparent concern. No returning or incoming linebacker logged greater than 17 snaps in 2024.
Buffalo Bulls
Head coach: Pete Lembo (second yr, 9-4 total)
2025 projection: 91st in SP+ (104th offense, 78th protection), 7.7 common wins, 5.5 convention wins
Ohio’s optimistic projection relies fairly a bit on the Bobcats’ robust latest historical past. Buffalo, nonetheless, appears to have fairly a bit extra within the “confirmed entities” division. Pete Lembo was Ball State’s head coach from 2011-15 and engineered as many bowl journeys (two) as this system has seen within the 9 years since his departure. He engineered instant enchancment in his return to MAC life too, and now main rusher Al-Jay Henderson, main receiver Victor Snow, three beginning O-linemen and 12 of 17 defenders with a minimum of 200 snaps all return. The big load of redshirts ought to guarantee strong depth.
The protection did not grade out any higher than the offense final yr, however it appears to have fewer query marks in 2025. Finish Kobe Stewart and linebackers Pink Murdock and Dion Crawford mixed for 42.5 tackles for loss, 37 run stops and 20 sacks final season — nobody else on this convention boasts that sort of play-making star energy. The return of 300-pound senior George Wolo (injured in 2024) ought to guarantee the requisite dimension up entrance. The secondary gave up too many huge performs final season (particularly contemplating the standard of the cross rush), however returning seven of final yr’s prime eight DBs and including each a younger power-conference switch (Arizona State nook Keontez Bradley) and a small-school star (Shepherd security Miles Greer) gives extra choices.
The offense has a bit extra to show, however dimension ought to assist: From a pure height-and-weight standpoint, the depth chart ought to appear to be one thing from an influence convention. Henderson measures in at 6-foot-0, 210 kilos, wideouts Nik McMillan (6-1, 224) and Probability Morrow (6-6, 195) may play huge roles, and two potential all-MAC guards, Trevor Brock and Tyler Doty, common 6-6 and 325 kilos between them. Snow, a former walk-on, is a bit man within the slot (5-8, 165), however he proved regular and sturdy in 2024, catching a minimum of 4 passes in 9 video games.
Notice that I have never stated a phrase in regards to the quarterback place but. With C.J. Ogbonna gone, offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude will doubtless be selecting between 2024 backup Gunnar Grey and, extra doubtless, journeyman Ta’Quan Roberson. Roberson has thrown for two,188 profession yards and was first rate at UConn (one in every of his three former colleges) in 2023. He ought to have the ability to lean on a strong run recreation, however Ogbonna was able to huge performs right here and there, and Roberson has averaged simply 10.3 yards per completion in his profession. MAC rivalry will in all probability require greater than that.
A few breaks away from a run
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks
Head coach: Chuck Martin (twelfth yr, 65-67 total)
2025 projection: 96th in SP+ (one hundred and thirty fifth offense, thirty fifth protection), 6.5 common wins, 4.7 convention wins
Chuck Martin was designed in a lab to frustrate me. He eschews analytics because it pertains to fourth downs. (The RedHawks went for it simply 11 instances in 101 fourth-down alternatives, a ten.9% go price that ranked 133rd in FBS.) He’s all-in on the “play to not lose” recreation administration strategy, and it is contributed to a 22-31 profession document in one-score finishes since he started at Miami in 2014. He is old-school in a whole lot of unhelpful methods.
He is additionally one hell of a program builder. He took over when Miami was at a very low ebb, and he has constructed issues brick by brick.
Miami, 2014-15: 5-19 document, 120.0 common SP+ rating
Miami, 2016-22: 40-40 document, 93.9 common SP+ rating
Miami, 2023-24: 20-8 document, 63.5 common SP+ rating
Martin and his remarkably constant employees — in 11 years, he is had two offensive coordinators and three defensive coordinators — determine and develop expertise nicely, play bodily and fairly uncomplicated ball, put main give attention to particular groups and create the very best ground of any MAC crew.
We’ll discover out lots in regards to the stability of stated ground in 2025. At this level I belief Martin to proceed to provide strong two-deeps with athleticism that exceeds their recruiting rankings. However … rattling, did the RedHawks lose lots this offseason: Each major offensive starter is gone, as are principally 5.5 of the starters within the defensive entrance six. The secondary stays largely intact, however ace cornerback Raion Strader left for Auburn.
Martin inked solely three defensive transfers — a strong present of religion in final yr’s backups and potential stars like edge rusher Adam Trick and security Silas Walters. However the offense underwent a portal overhaul: quarterback Dequan Finn (Toledo/Baylor), 5 receivers (together with former Notre Dame blue-chipper Deion Colzie), two tight ends and three offensive linemen got here aboard. Finn, operating backs Kenny Tracy (injured in 2024) and Jordan Brunson ought to type the bottom of a robust run recreation if the offensive line holds up, and the protection will get the advantage of the doubt. However dropping this a lot manufacturing is nearly a assure of regression. We’ll see if Martin’s program-building prowess can stop a collapse.
Northern Illinois Huskies
Head coach: Thomas Hammock (seventh yr, 32-38 total)
2025 projection: 106th in SP+ (133rd offense, 61st protection), 6.3 common wins, 4.5 convention wins
Like many evaluation-and-development guys, Thomas Hammock was comparatively gradual to embrace portal life. NIU’s head coach introduced in simply 15 complete transfers from 2022-24, however he is grabbed 13 this offseason. He wanted reinforcements nearly in every single place he seemed. The Huskies’ basic upset of Notre Dame drove an eight-win season — NIU’s third profitable yr in 4 — however Hammock’s Huskies misplaced their beginning quarterback, their prime two operating backs, their prime 4 cross catchers, 5 of their prime six offensive linemen, and 11 of 16 defenders with a minimum of 200 snaps (together with the highest 4 defensive tackles). Defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto left for Fresno State, too.
For a wobbly offense, this turnover may very well be seen as a chance for renewal. NIU ranked one hundred and fifteenth in offensive SP+ for every of the final two seasons; the run recreation was first rate final season, however the Huskies ranked 103rd in yards per dropback with no discernible explosiveness within the passing recreation. Hammock made an impressed coordinator rent, bringing in Quinn Sanders, the College of Charleston head coach who oversaw the No. 1 offense in Division II (per SP+). Charleston mixed a relentless run recreation with over-the-top passing; one may see how that is likely to be interesting to the physicality-minded Hammock.
Hammock introduced in quarterback Jackson Proctor, an honest dual-threat from Dartmouth, however QB seems to be Josh Holst’s job to lose. The sophomore was robust within the Huskies’ 28-20 bowl win over Fresno State, and sophomore RB Telly Johnson Jr. grew to become the go-to again late within the season. That is a superb start line, however just one returning receiver gained greater than 60 receiving yards, and the road can be loaded with sophomores and juniors. It will be huge, although: Hammock has established a pleasant pipeline of fellows listed at 6-foot-4 or taller and 300 kilos or heavier.
It is more durable to make gentle of the defensive turnover. NIU has averaged a top-40 defensive SP+ rating over the past two seasons however principally returns 2.5 starters on that aspect of the ball. Defensive finish Roy Williams and nook Jacob Finley are strong beginning factors on the perimeter, however new coordinator Rob Harley may want smaller-school transfers like deal with Dasean Dixon (Albany) and security Jasper Beeler (Saginaw Valley State) to thrive shortly. In any other case the two-deep can be loaded with freshmen and sophomores.
Bowling Inexperienced Falcons
Head coach: Eddie George (first yr)
2025 projection: 111th in SP+ (98th offense, 121st protection), 5.3 common wins, 4.0 convention wins
Scot Loeffler was beginning to get someplace. After going simply 7-22 in his first three seasons at BGSU, he hovered round .500 every year from 2022 to 2024, however the underlying numbers (122nd in SP+ in 2022, 94th in 2023, 77th in 2024) prompt wonderful progress. In 2024, the Falcons had their finest offense in 9 years and their finest protection in 11. However Loeffler left to grow to be the Philadelphia Eagles’ QBs coach in late February — an comprehensible however extraordinarily inconvenient transfer.
BGSU made an intriguing alternative rent, nonetheless, in Eddie George, the Ohio State legend and, extra just lately, writer of a pleasant revival at Tennessee State. After going 15-18 in his first three seasons at TSU, his Tigers jumped to 9-4 with a primary FCS playoff bid final fall. He introduced each TSU coordinators with him (OC Travis Partridge, DC Brandon Fisher), and after Loeffler had already added 15 transfers within the winter, George signed one other 10.
Translation: That is going to be a brand new crew. BGSU’s 59 returning begins are the third lowest in a turnover-heavy convention, and 47 of these begins are from one unit (OL). The protection returns principally 0.5 starters (security Darius Lorfils, who began six video games).
I am actually intrigued by a number of the defensive newcomers, although. Defensive deal with Eriq George (son of the coach) had 12.5 TFLs for TSU, and linebacker Gideon Lampron had 26.5 TFLs at Dayton. Corners Mark Cannon Jr. (Illinois State) and Jalen McClendon (TSU) mixed for 4 picks and 32 cross breakups. Throw in some children with robust recruiting rankings — defensive lineman Collins Acheampong (UCLA), linebacker Andrew Hines (Wake Forest), security Jay’Quan Bostic (Toledo), nook Key’on Washington (West Virginia) — and George may need one thing right here.
The offense won’t have fairly as a lot upside, however expertise may produce a excessive ground. The road certainly returns 4 starters, all seniors, and veterans Drew Pyne (Mizzou) and Justin Lamson (Stanford) will compete at QB. The talent corps, nonetheless, is a complete thriller. Tight finish Arlis Boardingham (Florida) is athletic, and receivers Brennan Ridley (Hampton) and Allen Middleton (Southern Illinois) mixed for 1,018 receiving yards as FCS freshmen, however it’s laborious to find out who may see a ton of the ball in 2025.
Central Michigan Chippewas
Head coach: Matt Drinkall (first yr)
2025 projection: 117th in SP+ (127th offense, 102nd protection), 5.3 common wins, 4.0 convention wins
Matt Drinkall inherits personnel from a crew that received solely 13 video games in its final three years underneath Jim McElwain, and he may institute a reasonably large stylistic shift with unproven offensive personnel. This does not really feel like the beginning of an “a few breaks away from a run” story. However a pleasant schedule and precise defensive continuity — a uncommon commodity on this convention — may make the Chippewas enchancment candidates.
Drinkall brings NAIA success to the desk — he improved Kansas Wesleyan from 2-9 to 13-1 with a playoff semifinal run over 5 years in Salina — and he was requested by Jeff Monken to modernize Military’s choice assault following rule modifications in 2023. The modifications did not actually take, and he was demoted to Military O-line coach in 2024, however the Iowa grad nonetheless has Midwestern ties and an attention-grabbing offensive background.
We in all probability will not see a lot of an choice assault with incumbent Joe Labas the doubtless beginning QB. Labas began half of 2024 earlier than a season-ending harm; his full-season numbers (seven TDs, seven INTs) have been coloured by a horrid, five-INT efficiency towards Florida Worldwide, however he wasn’t a lot of a runner regardless. The return of slot man Tyson Davis (injured in 2023) assures a minimum of one skilled wideout, however no different returnee had greater than 66 receiving yards in 2024, and Tulane switch Trey Cornist is formally probably the most confirmed operating again … with 149 dashing yards final yr. Drinkall is an O-line man, and CMU ought to have good dimension up entrance, plus perhaps some assist from FCS transfers John Iannuzzi (Columbia) and Jacob Russell (Valpo).
Veteran Sean Cronin, most just lately Military’s D-line coach, takes over as defensive coordinator, and his No. 1 activity is bringing stability to a dramatically all-or-nothing unit: CMU ranked eleventh nationally in stuff price and thirteenth in sack price however gave up a spectacular variety of huge performs. Linebackers Jordan Kwiatkowski and Dakota Cochran (mixed: 23.5 TFLs) are thrilling, and security Caleb Spann thrives close to the road of scrimmage. They’re simple playmakers, and cornerback Kalen Carroll (Cincinnati) is likely one of the convention’s few incoming power-conference starters. However glitches have been devastating in 2024, and Cronin will doubtless dial the chance profile again a bit.
Jap Michigan Eagles
Head coach: Chris Creighton (twelfth yr, 57-75 total)
2025 projection: 113th in SP+ (116th offense, 111th protection), 5.1 common wins, 3.5 convention wins
Chris Creighton has been pulling off .500ish seasons at EMU for lengthy sufficient that we’re forgetting how spectacular going .500 at EMU actually is. The Eagles received 5 video games simply thrice within the 24 seasons earlier than Creighton’s arrival from Drake in 2014, and now they’ve bowled six instances previously 9 years. Collapsing from 5-2 to 5-7 final yr, due to each epic harm points and shut defeats, was a real disappointment as a substitute of a roundabout accomplishment.
With so many MAC applications coping with main turnover, this could really feel like a chance for Creighton and EMU … in the event that they weren’t coping with the identical factor. The Eagles return solely 4 gamers who began greater than 5 video games final season, although the accidents meant that fairly a number of of the returnees noticed the sector. That is very true on protection, the place 11 returnees began a minimum of as soon as. Nonetheless, Creighton introduced in seven defensive transfers (plus 4 JUCOs) to guarantee a rebound for a unit that collapsed from 67th to one hundred and fifteenth in defensive SP+. New playmakers must emerge, however defensive finish Jefferson Adam made 5.5 TFLs in simply 185 snaps, and nickel again Barry Manning had three run stops and two cross breakups in 193 snaps; each may grow to be stars with starter-level taking part in time.
The offense collapsed to a hundred and thirtieth in offensive SP+ in 2023 however rebounded a bit final yr regardless of 18 guys beginning a minimum of one recreation. Solely six of these 18 return, however I am intrigued by newcomers like quarterback Cameron Edge (Maryland) and operating again James Jointer Jr. (Liberty), and receiver Terry Lockett Jr. is likely one of the league’s extra explosive returning wideouts. The bar for additional enchancment is fairly low — simply preserve guys semi-healthy, and you could possibly return to the highest 100.
Since Creighton’s arrival, solely NIU has performed in additional one-score video games amongst MAC groups than EMU — nearly stunning contemplating EMU’s fast-paced offense and fourth-down willingness — and that dynamic in all probability will not change in 2025: Ten of the Eagles’ 12 video games are projected inside single digits, and 6 of the final eight are projected inside a landing. Win the shut ones they did not win final yr, and 2025 can be fairly thrilling.
Simply in search of a path to 6-6
Western Michigan Broncos
Head coach: Lance Taylor (third yr, 10-15 total)
2025 projection: 118th in SP+ (112th offense, 117th protection), 4.8 common wins, 3.5 convention wins
After back-to-back dropping seasons for a seemingly stalling WMU program, 2024 introduced some positivity: Thanks primarily to a 5-1 document towards groups ranked within the triple digits in SP+, Lance Taylor’s Broncos eked out six wins and a bowl bid.
By way of balancing effectivity and explosiveness, the WMU offense was one of many extra well-rounded within the convention.
Walt Bell’s offense is based round robust dashing and fast passing; it is an apparent concern that solely 2.5 starters return (tight finish Blake Bosma, guard John Hofer and receiver and seven-game starter Malique Dieudonne), however junior operating again Jalen Buckley (683 yards, 9 TDs) is nice, Bosma (88% catch price) is an effectivity cheat code, and Taylor introduced in intriguing power-conference transfers similar to operating again Cole Cabana (Michigan), receiver Christian Leary (Alabama/Georgia Tech) and linemen Raheem Anderson (Michigan) and Hunter Whitenack (Illinois). Quarterback Hayden Wolff is gone, however I believe both sophomore Broc Lowry or JC All-American Brady Jones will fill in fairly nicely there.
The protection hasn’t but generated any traction underneath Taylor, who’s on his third coordinator in three years. New DC Chris O’Leary was a Notre Dame analyst and, in 2024, the safeties coach for Jim Harbaugh’s L.A. Chargers. This looks like a high-ceiling, low-floor rent, and O’Leary’s success in 2025 can be derived primarily from numerous smaller-school transfers, probably the most intriguing of that are in all probability defensive finish Kershawn Fisher (Nicholls), linebacker Sefa Saipaia (Ferris State), nook Jordon Thomas (Jap Kentucky) and security Marvin Smith (Alabama A&M). Returning security Tate Hallock is a keeper, however newcomers will inform the story.
Akron Zips
Head coach: Joe Moorhead (fourth yr, 8-28 total)
2025 projection: 132nd in SP+ (131st offense, a hundred and twentieth protection), 4.5 common wins, 3.2 convention wins
In three years at Akron, Joe Moorhead has proved to be a fairly strong expertise evaluator, and going 4-8 in 2024 — after the Zips went a mixed 7-47 from 2019-23 — was an simple success. However laborious jobs stay laborious in perpetuity; Moorhead hasn’t made any progress on offense (common offensive SP+ rating: 126.7), the Zips’ APR scores have dropped sufficient to get them banned from the postseason (not that six wins was significantly doubtless anyway), and Moorhead’s major reward for strong expertise identification is that stated expertise has been plucked away: Seven Zips transferred to power-conference groups this offseason.
It is sort of a misplaced yr already, in different phrases. However in Michael Johnson Jr. (Syracuse), operating again Chris Gee (Colgate), O-lineman Allen Jones Jr. (West Alabama), prolific linebacker Cam Hollobaugh (Walsh), security Mehki Flowers (Penn State) and others, Moorhead’s 2025 switch haul has first rate upside. So, too, may returnees like veteran quarterback Ben Finley, 6-foot-7 defensive finish Bruno Dall, linebacker Shammond Cooper (injured in 2023) and junior nook Elijah Reed.
Akron is a projected favourite in solely three video games however is a projected one-score underdog in 5 others — overachieving towards projections just a bit may make this an honest season, even when bowling is already off the desk.
Ball State Cardinals
Head coach: Mike Uremovich (first yr)
2025 projection: 134th in SP+ (123rd offense, 131st protection), 3.4 common wins, 2.5 convention wins
After the gradual rise and equally gradual fall of the eight-year Mike Neu period, Mike Uremovich takes the reins at BSU. The NIU grad and former Temple and NIU offensive coordinator is aware of the MAC and has crafted success from restricted Midwestern sources at each NAIA’s St. Francis (Illinois) and FCS’ Butler. His 2024 Butler crew ranked thirty fifth in SP+, simply the very best within the non-scholarship Pioneer Convention.
Uremovich’s offense is mostly constructed round adapting to participant strengths, and the first energy of his 2025 Cardinals is likely to be versatility. Senior quarterback Kiael Kelly is a greater athlete than passer, and operating again switch Qua Ashley (Kennesaw State) caught 28 balls out of the backfield final yr. Throw in slot man (and punt returner) Qian Magwood and 5-foot-8 Bucknell WR switch Eric Weatherly, and you have got a set of bouncy and versatile, if not significantly massive, skill-corps guys. They may even have the most important pair of tackles within the MAC with returnee Chris Hood (6-foot-10!) probably pairing with Butler switch Adam Dolan (6-foot-8), for no matter that is value.
Regardless of BSU’s defensive collapse, Uremovich saved coordinator Jeff Knowles in place, and with good cause: He was Uremovich’s DC at Butler in 2023. The defensive entrance returns disruptive choices in linebacker Joey Stemler and deal with Darin Conley, however a poor secondary has been overhauled. Uremovich introduced in 10 defensive transfers, however solely three are seniors — this is likely to be a multiyear rebuild on D.
UMass Minutemen
Head coach: Joe Harasymiak (first yr)
2025 projection: thirteenth in SP+ (119th offense, one hundred and thirty fifth protection), 3.5 common wins, 2.2 convention wins
It has been a fairly directionless FBS run for UMass. The Minutemen spent their first 4 FBS seasons within the MAC earlier than selecting independence over all-sports membership, however after 9 years and simply 18 wins, they’re again. At head coach, they’ve tried veteran retreads (Mark Whipple, Don Brown) and younger hotshots (Walt Bell), and nothing has generated traction. Now it is time to go Full Rutgers. Massachusetts native Joe Harasymiak takes over after three years as Greg Schiano’s defensive coordinator at RU. Schiano is the final word, obsessive “skip no steps” program builder, and one can see the attraction to such an strategy at UMass.
Harasymiak introduced in 34 transfers, however whereas a number of of them are seniors who may contribute shortly — quarterback Grant Jordan (Yale), offensive lineman Mike Entwistle (Harvard), defensive finish Josh Nobles (Jackson State), linebacker Timmy Hinspeter (Rutgers), security Malcolm Greene (Virginia) — a number of the extra intriguing gamers on the roster are underclassmen.
Redshirt freshman quarterback AJ Hairston may fend off each Jordan and Utah switch Brandon Rose for taking part in time at QB, whereas transfers like operating again Rocko Griffin (UTSA), receiver Tyree Kelly (USF), deal with Malachi Madison (Virginia Tech), linebacker Nick Hawthorne (Boise State) and disruptive safeties Kendall Bournes (Harmony) and Zeraun Daniel (Georgetown) are all juniors or youthful.
That is going to take a while. UMass is a projected favourite in just one 2025 recreation, however hey, if you’ve averaged solely two wins per season in FBS, the bar for progress is very low.
Kent State Golden Flashes
Interim head coach: Mark Carney
2025 projection: 136th in SP+ (134th offense, 133rd protection), 2.8 common wins, 2.2 convention wins
If the bar is low at UMass, it is simply laying on the ground at Kent State. Beneath head coach Kenni Burns, the Golden Flashes went simply 1-23 in two seasons, however it’s truly even worse than that: In my year-end, all-division SP+ rankings, they not solely ranked a distant final among the many 134 FBS groups, they ranked 227th total, behind 79 FCS groups and 14 Division II groups. They’d have been nicely beneath common within the FCS’ Missouri Valley Soccer Convention. Hell, they’d have been fourth in D2’s GLIAC. This was an totally atrocious soccer crew.
That simply means there’s nowhere to go however up, proper? Even with Burns getting dismissed at nearly probably the most awkward attainable time of yr (mid-April) and offensive coordinator Mark Carney taking on as interim head coach, it is going to be nearly inconceivable to be that unhealthy once more.
I am not going to attempt to promote you on the deserves of transfers like quarterback CJ Montes (Fordham), offensive lineman Jamarcus Hill (Southeast Missouri), defensive finish Jamond Mathis (Southern Illinois) and defensive deal with Thomas Aden (Pitt) or genuinely first rate returnees like guard Dustyn Morell or nickelback Canaan Williams. I am simply going to notice that, with so many different MAC groups going through main turnover, Kent State may very well be shut sufficient to the remainder of the pack to win a recreation or two. And when the bar is ready at “midtier GLIAC crew,” it is fairly straightforward to perhaps present an indication or two of progress.
