The Mid-American Conference enters 2026 with a defending champion at the top, several familiar contenders close behind and two newer members adding intrigue to the race. UMass begins its second season back in the MAC, while Sacramento State joins as a football-only member to give the conference a 13-team field.
Western Michigan won the league last season and returns enough talent to be the favorite again, but Miami, Toledo and Ohio are all capable of reaching Ford Field. Here is how Sportsvival ranks the MAC entering the 2026 season.
1. Western Michigan Broncos
Western Michigan deserves the top spot after winning the 2025 MAC championship. Quarterback Broc Lowry is the league’s most proven difference-maker, and defensive back Jarvarius Sims leads an experienced defense. The Broncos may not dominate statistically, but their physical style and continuity make them the safest championship pick.
2. Miami RedHawks
Miami has reached three consecutive MAC Championship Games, and Chuck Martin’s program remains the conference’s model of consistency. Offensive lineman Eric Smith gives the RedHawks experience up front, while linebacker Malcolm McCain should help keep the defense among the league’s best. Miami once again looks built for meaningful November football.
3. Toledo Rockets
Toledo has enough talent to win the conference, but the Rockets must adjust to first-year head coach Mike Jacobs. Quarterback John Alan Richter and defensive end Andrew Zock give the new staff important building blocks. If Toledo handles the transition quickly, it can challenge Western Michigan and Miami for the title.
4. Ohio Bobcats
Ohio begins a new era under first-year head coach John Hauser, but the roster still has enough quality to remain in the championship race. Running back Duncan Brune gives the offense a dependable centerpiece, and safety DJ Walker is one of the MAC’s top defensive backs. The Bobcats should remain physical and difficult to beat.
5. Central Michigan Chippewas
Central Michigan made progress during Matt Drinkall’s first season and now has a chance to take another step. Wide receiver Langston Lewis is a proven playmaker, while defensive back Jaion Jackson gives the secondary experience. The Chippewas have enough returning production to become the surprise team in the championship chase.
6. Buffalo Bulls
Pete Lembo has established a tough, disciplined identity at Buffalo. Running back Terrance Shelton Jr. should carry a significant part of the offense, and defensive tackle Cornell Evans gives the Bulls a disruptive presence inside. Buffalo may not have the league’s most explosive roster, but it should be a difficult matchup every week.
7. Eastern Michigan Eagles
Chris Creighton enters his 13th season with another competitive roster. Quarterback Noah Kim brings experience to the offense, while defensive back Bryce Llewellyn should be one of the leaders on defense. Eastern Michigan’s consistency gives it a chance to outperform this ranking, especially if the offense becomes more explosive.
8. Kent State Golden Flashes
Kent State showed signs of progress during Mark Carney’s first season. Quarterback Dru DeShields gives the Golden Flashes stability, defensive lineman Thomas Aden can create problems up front and return specialist Da’Realyst Clark is a game-changing weapon. Kent State is still rebuilding, but it is moving in the right direction.
9. Bowling Green Falcons
Eddie George’s second season should provide a clearer picture of Bowling Green’s direction. Running back Austyn Dendy and defensive end Eriq George give the Falcons impact players on both sides of the ball, while Cameron Pettaway adds big-play ability. Bowling Green has enough talent to climb into the upper half of the league.
10. Akron Zips
Akron enters Joe Moorhead’s fifth season looking for greater consistency. Running back Jordan Gant is one of the MAC’s best returning runners, and defensive end Cyrus Durham gives the defense an athletic edge presence. The Zips have individual talent, but they must turn close games into wins to move up the standings.
11. Ball State Cardinals
Mike Uremovich continues his rebuild in year two. Offensive lineman Chris Hood gives the Cardinals experience up front, and linebacker Justin Thomas should anchor the defense. Ball State can be more competitive, but major questions remain about whether the offense can produce enough points against the league’s top teams.
12. Sacramento State Hornets
Sacramento State begins its five-year run as a football-only MAC member while also making the transition to the FBS level. Quarterback Carson Conklin and linebacker Derek Houston give first-year head coach Alonzo Carter two experienced leaders. The Hornets have a successful FCS foundation, but the weekly adjustment to FBS depth will be significant.
13. Massachusetts Minutemen
UMass begins its second season under Joe Harasymiak with a roster that still has plenty to prove. Quarterback Pop Watson III provides athletic ability and local star power, while linebacker Tyler Martin is a dependable veteran. The Minutemen should improve, but they need more consistency on both lines before making a major jump.
MAC Championship Game Prediction
Western Michigan 24, Miami 20
Miami’s experience and defense should carry the RedHawks back to Ford Field, but Western Michigan has the conference’s best combination of continuity, quarterback play and championship confidence. Broc Lowry’s ability to create with both his arm and legs gives the Broncos the edge in a close title game.
Sportsvival’s Preseason First-Team All-MAC
Offense
QB: Broc Lowry, Western Michigan
RB: Jordan Gant, Akron
RB: Duncan Brune, Ohio
WR: Langston Lewis, Central Michigan
WR: Jacquon Gibson, UMass
WR: Cade Wolford, Kent State
TE: Joshua Long, Eastern Michigan
OL: Chris Hood, Ball State
OL: Keylen Davis, Akron
OL: Mickey Rewolinski, Eastern Michigan
OL: Eric Smith, Miami
OL: Nick Marinaro, Ohio
K: Cade Graham, Central Michigan
Defense
DL: Cyrus Durham, Akron
DL: Eriq George, Bowling Green
DL: Thomas Aden, Kent State
DL: Andrew Zock, Toledo
LB: Justin Thomas, Ball State
LB: Tyler Martin, UMass
LB: Malcolm McCain, Miami
LB: Derek Houston, Sacramento State
DB: Bryce Llewellyn, Eastern Michigan
DB: Jaion Jackson, Central Michigan
DB: DJ Walker, Ohio
DB: Jarvarius Sims, Western Michigan
P: Keegan Andrews, UMass
Specialists
Kick Returner: Cameron Pettaway, Bowling Green
Kick Returner: Da’Realyst Clark, Kent State
Final Thoughts
The 2026 MAC race should again be decided by small margins. Western Michigan begins as the team to beat, Miami remains the most reliable challenger and Toledo, Ohio and Central Michigan all have enough talent to reach Detroit. The additions of UMass and Sacramento State give the league a new look, but the championship still runs through the programs that have proved they can win late in the season.
Western Michigan is the pick, but in a conference known for unpredictable midweek football, very little should be considered certain.