The MAC (Mid-American Conference) is heading into a year marked by massive instability, including the lowest returning snap percentage in the country, several head coaching departures, at least one team planning to leave, and more than a few non-competitive teams at the bottom. Still, every league has bright spots. For this year’s MAC, those teams are Ohio, Buffalo, and Toledo. After so much movement among both players and coaches, this season appears ready to deliver more challenges than headlines of success.
1. Ohio Bobcats
2024 Record (Conference): 11-3 (7-1)
2025 Projected Record: 10-2 (8-0)
The Bobcats surprised everyone with 11 wins and a MAC title in 2024, but then lost the head coach behind that run. Tim Albin left for MAC rival Charlotte, so offensive coordinator Brian Smith is now at the helm. Ohio lost half its starting offensive line and most of the front seven, creating real questions about how quickly a new group can come together. Quarterback Parker Navarro brings dual-threat ability and could finish the season as MAC Player of the Year, but his success will depend on inexperienced linemen finding chemistry quickly. While the defense was reliable a year ago, there is no guarantee that production will be matched after so many changes.
Key Returning Players:
QB Parker Navarro (GR), LT Davion Weatherspoon (RS SR), CB Tank Pearson (GR), S DJ Walker (RS SO)
Key Incoming Transfers:
RB Sieh Bangura (RS SR), OG Josh Waite (RS JR), S Rickey Hyatt Jr. (RS SR), DE Evan Hermann (RS SO)
2. Buffalo Bulls
2024 Record (Conference): 9-4 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2)
Buffalo stands out thanks to stability on the sidelines and a roster that brings back many key players. The offense returns its leading rusher and top receiver, but is still searching for its new starting quarterback. Both Gunnar Gray and Ta’Quan Roberson are in the mix and should be able to keep the Bulls moving. Most of the defense, which was the strength of last season, is also back. With this continuity and depth, Buffalo should stay near the top of the conference standings.
Key Returning Players:
RB Al-Jay Henderson (SR), WR Victor Snow (RS JR), OG Trevor Brock (RS SR), DE Kobe Stewart (RS SR), LB Red Murdock (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Ta’Quan Roberson (RS SR), C Jake Timm (GR), CB Keontez Bradley (RS SO), MLB Connor Henderson (GR)
3. Toledo Rockets
2024 Record (Conference): 8-5 (4-4)
2025 Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2)
Toledo nearly always finds itself among the MAC’s favorites, but has struggled with inconsistency, pulling off big wins one week and slipping in trap games the next. The Rockets will have a familiar face at quarterback, plenty of experience among receivers, and a seasoned secondary. If Tucker Gleason continues to develop behind a largely rebuilt offensive line, and if the defensive front seven comes together quickly, Toledo has a real shot at breaking through to claim the MAC title.
Key Returning Players:
QB Tucker Gleason (RS SR), WR Junior Vandeross III (SR), CB Braden Awls (JR), DE Malachi Davis (RS JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
OT Dominic Rivera (RS FR), OT Jonathan Harder (RS JR), RB Chip Trayanum (RS SR), DE Louce Julien (RS SR)
4. Miami (OH) Redhawks
2024 Record (Conference): 9-5 (7-1)
2025 Projected Record: 7-5 (5-3)
Projecting Miami (OH) this season borders on guesswork. The Redhawks lost every offensive starter along with half of their defensive starters over the offseason. The offense now depends on youth and a multitude of transfers, while the defense will need to find some stability after so much change. Head coach Chuck Martin faces one of the toughest rebuilding jobs around, and fans should expect the starting lineup to be a work in progress early in the schedule.
Key Returning Players:
S Silas Walters (RS SR), S Eli Blakely (RS SR), LB Corban Hondru (RS SR), RB Kenny Tracy (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Dequan Finn (RS SR), WR Deion Colzie (RS SR), DE Kam Wilson (RS SR), TE Grant Leeper (RS SO)
5. Bowling Green Falcons
2024 Record (Conference): 7-6 (6-2)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (5-3)
Bowling Green made headlines by hiring College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL running back Eddie George as head coach, following Scot Loeffler’s departure to the NFL. On the field, the Falcons are facing high roster turnover, especially outside of their offensive line. Drew Pyne, a transfer from Missouri, will take over at quarterback, leading an offense that relies on a host of new faces. At linebacker, transfers dominate the depth chart, with Gideon Lampron showing the most promise. George will need to take a quick evaluation of his roster to keep the team competitive.
Key Returning Players:
WR Finn Hogan (RS SR), OT Tunde Fatukasi (SR), S Darius Lorfils (SR), DE Myles Bradley (RS JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Drew Pyne (GR), RB Chris McMillan (JR), TE Arlis Boardingham (RS JR), LB Gideon Lampron (RS JR)
6. Central Michigan Chippewas
2024 Record (Conference): 4-8 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (4-4)
Central Michigan’s situation is a mix of positives and negatives. While the defense brings back a significant portion of last year’s production, the team is installing a new offensive system with a coaching staff that lacks FBS experience. Head coach Matt Drinkall’s run-based option scheme does not perfectly fit this roster, especially quarterback Joe Labas, who is still working back from injury. The running back room lacks proven production, so growing pains are likely, but success is possible if the defense can hold strong.
Key Returning Players:
QB Joe Labas (RS SR), LB Jordan Kwiatkowski (SR), WR Tyson Davis (RS JR), S Caleb Spann (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
OT Jacob Russell (RS SO), OG John Iannuzzi (RS SR), NT Dylan Fisher (SR), RB Trey Cornist (RS SO)
7. NIU Huskies
2024 Record (Conference): 8-5 (4-4)
2025 Projected Record: 6-6 (4-4)
The Huskies enter this season after losing most of their productive players on both sides of the ball, including the starting quarterback, running back, and most of the receivers and offensive linemen. Sophomores Josh Holst and Telly Johnson Jr. will be asked to shoulder much greater responsibility at quarterback and running back. Head coach Thomas Hammock has a reputation as a strong developer of talent, which will be crucial since the defense also needs to replace nearly every starter. This young roster will take some time to come together.
Key Returning Players:
QB Josh Holst (RS SO), RB Telly Johnson Jr. (RS SO), DE Roy Williams (SR), CB Jacob Finley (RS JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
WR Gary Givens (SO), C Aidan Tweedy (RS SR), DT Dasean Dixon (SR), S Jasper Beeler (JR)
8. Eastern Michigan Eagles
2024 Record (Conference): 5-7 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Chris Creighton is back for a twelfth season as EMU’s head coach, but roster continuity is not nearly as strong. There are very few returning starters, so Creighton will be relying on young players and newcomers to fill out his starting lineup. The battle for starting quarterback is between transfers Noah Kim and Cameron Edge, but Kim’s starting experience at Michigan State should give him the edge. The offense and defense will both need transfers to step up, and Kim’s connection with senior receiver Terry Lockett Jr. could make or break the season.
Key Returning Players:
WR Terry Lockett Jr. (GR), RB Dontae McMillan (GR), DE Jefferson Adam (RS SR), S Barry Manning (RS JR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Noah Kim (GR), RB James Jointer Jr. (RS JR), LB Kadin Bailey (RS JR), S Davion Williams (RS JR)
9. Western Michigan Broncos
2024 Record (Conference): 6-7 (5-3)
2025 Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6)
Western Michigan has enjoyed recent success through a productive offense, and with tight end Blake Bosma and running back Jalen Buckley still in the fold, there is some promise. However, they are missing a lot of returning starters on both sides of the ball, and the defense continues to be a struggle under Lance Taylor. New faces from lower divisions will need to step up if the Broncos are to stay competitive in 2025.
Key Returning Players:
TE Blake Bosma (RS SR), WR Malique Dieudonne (RS SR), OG John Hofer (RS SR), S Tate Hallock (GR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
WR Christian Leary (GR), OT Zach Vaughan (GR), CB Jordan Thomas (RS SR), DT Dorian Wesley (RS SR)
10. Ball State Cardinals
2024 Record (Conference): 3-9 (2-6)
2025 Projected Record: 2-10 (1-7)
Ball State is facing another reset, with a new head coach and the usual flood of new starters. The Cardinals have some building blocks, especially in quarterback Kiael Kelly and running back Qua Ashley, so expect plenty of option runs and RPOs as they try to maximize yards after catch and create mismatches. Repeating last year’s defensive struggles seems likely, since most gaps have been filled with short-term transfers under the same defensive coordinator.
Key Returning Players:
QB Kiael Kelly (RS SR), WR Qian Magwood (RS SR), LB Joey Stemler (RS SR), WR Ty Robinson (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
WR Eric Weatherly (RS JR), RB Qua Ashley (RS JR), LB Ashley Whitner (RS JR), S Michael Gravely Jr. (RS SR)
11. Akron Zips
2024 Record (Conference): 4-8 (3-5)
2025 Projected Record: 2-10 (1-7)
Right now, being an Akron fan is tough. The team, which struggled last year, is ineligible for the postseason in 2025 due to academic concerns, which is a major blow for motivation. Akron often loses its top talent each offseason, and the 2025 roster consists almost entirely of players still trying to earn starting jobs. Quarterback Ben Finley returns, offering some stability, but the running back rotation is all new and most of last year’s best players have moved on. Finding reasons to celebrate could be tough this fall.
Key Returning Players:
QB Ben Finley (RS SR), WR Alex Adams (RS SR), DE Bruno Dall (RS SO), LB Gage Summers (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
S Mekhi Flowers (RS JR), RB Jordan Gant (RS JR), WR Tim Grear Jr. (SR), DE Cyrus Durham (RS JR)
12. UMass Minutemen
2024 Record (Conference): 2-10 (NA)
2025 Projected Record: 2-10 (1-7)
UMass begins another rebuild under first-year head coach Joe Harasymiak. The roster is young, unproven, and most likely at the start of a multi-year makeover. The upcoming season will be about finding direction and incremental improvement.
Key Returning Players:
OT Ryan Mossesso (RS SR), DT Tim Grant-Randall (GR), CB Ryan Barnes (RS SR), LB Derrieon Craig (SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
QB Grant Jordan (GR), RB Rocko Griffin (RS SR), DE Joshua Nobles (RS SR), CB Malcolm Greene (RS SR)
13. Kent State Golden Flashes
2024 Record (Conference): 0-12 (0-8)
2025 Projected Record: 1-11 (1-7)
Not much went right for Kent State last year, as the team finished winless. This year, there has been little improvement, with only one win over the past two seasons and an interim head coach. Kent State will search for a breakthrough somewhere in the schedule, and while it may be hard to predict where that victory will come, the energy and desire to avoid another winless campaign should make for at least one dramatic game.
Key Returning Players:
CB/LB Canann Williams (RS JR), DE Mattheus Carroll (GR), OG Dustyn Morell (RS JR), DE Antoine Campbell Jr. (RS SR)
Key Incoming Transfers:
OT Jamarcus Hill (RS JR), QB CJ Montes (RS SR), TE Christian Berry (SR), DT Thomas Aden (RS JR)
Championship Game Prediction
Ohio Bobcats defeat Buffalo Bulls
Games to Circle
Ohio at Buffalo (Nov. 28): The top two MAC teams close the regular season in what could serve as a preview of the conference championship. Expect a tense, physical battle between Ohio’s exciting offense and Buffalo’s established defense.
Ohio at Ohio State (Sept. 13): State bragging rights are on the line as Ohio faces the perennial powerhouse Buckeyes. With a new head coach, Brian Smith, leading the Bobcats, a competitive performance would be a huge boost in his debut year.
UMass at Kent State (Oct. 11): Sometimes college football gets weird, and this matchup between two rebuilding programs could turn dramatic. Kent State wants to escape another winless season, while UMass is hoping to find something to build on.
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