Mid-American Conference 2025 Preview

MAC Championship Prediction: Toledo over Miami (OH)

Regular Season Predicted Order of Finish

1. Miami (Ohio) University Redhawks

Head Coach: Chuck Martin- At School and Overall: (65-67) 10 Years

Impact Players: QB Dequan Finn, RB Jordan Brunson, RB Kenny Tracy, WR Deion Cozie, WR Darion Williams, DT Nasir Washington, DE Adam Trick, LB Corban Hondru, S Silas Walters, S Eli Blakely

Preview: 

QB Dequan Finn is back in the Mid-American conference after spending last season at Baylor. Except this time he won’t be suiting up for the Toledo Rockets. Instead, he is joining conference rival Miami (OH) following the departure of long time starter Brett Gabbert. Joining Finn in Oxford is former Notre Dame WR Deion Cozie. The rest of the offense is also reliant on the transfer portal. The Redhawks are not returning a starter on that side of the ball. Last season, the Redhawk defense was one of the best in the conference and they got the benefit of returning LB Corban Hondru to lead this unit. Safeties Silas Walters and Eli Blakely will headline the secondary. New faces will be in place on the d-line but the talent is there once again. Dequan Finn was a huge get for the Redhawks. He has experience not only playing but winning in the MAC. This team has the talent to make it back to Detroit once again this season.

Final Record Prediction: 8-4 (7-1)

2. Toledo University Rockets

Head Coach: Jason Candle- At School and Overall: (73-40) 10 years

Impact Players: QB Tucker Gleason, RB Chip Trayanum, RB Connor Walendzak, RG Ethan Spoth, WR Junior Vandeross, WR Trayvon Rudolph, DT Martez Poynter, DE Louce Julian, CB Avery Smith, S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, CB Nasir Bowers, S Braden Awls

Preview: 

Toledo comes into 2025 with one of the more experienced and proven rosters in the entire conference. QB Tucker Gleason is coming off a 24 touchdown season and one of his favorite targets, WR Junior Vandeross is back with him. The offense line also returns 3 starters, including all-conference G Ethan Spoth. In addition to their returning talent, the Rockets also brought in former Power 4 journeyman RB Chip Trayanum and MAC standout WR Trayvon Rudolph. The same goes for the defensive side of the ball. All-conference CB Avery Smith is back and joined by fellow starters CB Nasir Bowers, S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and S Jaden Dottin to make up one of the most talented units in the league. The rest of the defense consists of guys who, although they weren’t necessarily starters, were major contributors a season ago. Toledo’s expectations for 2025 are high as they should be. This team might be both the most talented and most experienced roster in the MAC and should be competing for a league title come December. 

Final Record Prediction: 8-4 (6-2)

3. Buffalo University Bulls

Head Coach: Pete Lambo- At School: (9-4) 1 year; Overall: (42-33) 6 years

Impact Players: QB Ta’Quan Roberson, RB Al-Jay Henderson, LG Trevor Brock, RB Tyler Doty, WR Victor Snow, DT George Wolo, DE Kobe Stewart, LB Dion Crawford, LB Red Murdock, CB Marquis Cooper, S Solomon Brown, CB Charles McCartherens

Preview: 

The Bulls offense comes into the 2025 season with the majority of its offense solidified. 3 starters return on the offensive line, including all-conference selections Trevor Brock and Tyler Doty. Also returning and also all-MAC selections in 2024 are RB Al-Jay Henderson and WR Victor Snow. The one area that is not solidified is the Quarterback position. The front runner right now is journeyman Ta’Quan Roberson, who has made stops at Penn St., UCONN, and Kansas St. The defense will again be one of the league’s best. The Bulls are returning perhaps the best defensive player in the conference in LB Red Murdock. The rest of the defense is filled with veteran experience. DL Kobe Stewart and S Solomon Brown are 6th year seniors and have all-league potential this season. Buffalo is coming off a great first season under Pete Lambo, winning 9 games including a bowl. If they can figure out who is going to lead the offense, this team has the talent to compete for a MAC championship in 2025.

Final Record Prediction: 7-5 (6-2)

4. Ohio University Bobcats

Head Coach: Brian Smith- At School and Overall: 1st year

Impact Players: QB Parker Navarro, RB Sieh Bangura, WR Chase Hendrick, OL Devion Weatherspoon, CB Tank Pearson, CB Adonis Williams, S DJ Walker

Preview: 

Ohio is coming off a dominant performance in the MAC Championship game, winning 38-3 over Miami (OH). 2024 marked consecutive 11 win seasons for the program, but with success comes a price. The Bobcats lost HC Tim Albin to Charlotte and some key production on defense to the transfer portal. For the offense, QB Parker Navarro is back after totaling over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns as a dual-threat all-conference player. Rejoining the Bobcats after a season at Minnesota is RB Sieh Bangura, who started his career in Athens and ran for over 800 yards in 2023. The o-line is deep and has plenty of returning contributors. On defense, the secondary is the bright spot. CB Tank Pearson and S DJ Walker have all-league potential. It will remain to be seen how the rest of the defense can gel with new faces upfront. The offense has the talent and experience; if the defense comes around, the Bobcats will find themselves competing for another MAC Championship at season’s end.

Final Record Prediction: 7-5 (6-2)

5. Bowling Green State University Falcons

Head Coach: Eddie George- At School: 1st year; Overall: (24-22) 4 years

Impact Players: QB Drew Pyne, RB Chris McMillan, RB Justin Pegues, WR Finn Hogan, WR RJ Garcia II, WR Rahkeem Smith, TE Arlis Boardingham, DT Evan Branch-Hayes, DT Eriq George, CB Kal-El Pascal, S Darius Lorfils

Preview: 

Bowling Green made headlines in the offseason hiring Hall of Fame Running Back Eddie George. George inherits a team that won 7 games but returned a total of just 8 starters. However, 3 of the starters are the offensive line; a unit that should be one of the team’s strengths this season. The starter under center is expected to be QB Drew Pyne. Pyne comes to Bowling Green after stops at Notre Dame and Arizona St. He’ll have options to get the ball too with receivers Finn Hogan and RJ Garcia back in Bowling and TE Arlis Boardingham coming from Florida to replace Falcon legend Harold Fannin. On defense, the only returning starter is S Darius Lorfilis. CB Kal-El Pascal and CB JoJo Johnson will help fill out the secondary. Up front, the trio of Evan Branch-Hayes, Collins Acheampong, and Eriq George, will look to help mask a linebacker unit that needs work. The Falcons are entering year 1 of the Eddie George era. The former Ohio State legend might not win the MAC in year 1, but a bowl game is feasible and the energy in Bowling is palpable.

Final Record Prediction: 6-6 (5-3)

6. Northern Illinois University Huskies

Head Coach: Thomas Hammock- At School and Overall (32-38) 6 years

Impact Players: QB Josh Holst, RB Jaylen Poe, RB Telly Johnson, WR Dane Pardridge, TE Jake Appleget, DE Jalonnie Williams, DE Roy Williams, S Muhammad Jammeh

Preview: 

The highlight of the Huskies’ 2024 season, and perhaps their program as a whole, was the 16-14 win in South Bend over eventual National runner-up Notre Dame. The win propelled the Huskies to an 8 win season, including an Idaho Potato Bowl win. In 2025, the offense needs to be rebuilt. Graduation and the transfer portal hit every area of the offense. QB Josh Holst is expected to take over for Ethan Hampton, who left in the winter. Running back duties are expected to be split between Jaylen Poe and Telly Johnson, which will be working behind a completely rebuilt o-line. The receiving room is full of new faces via the transfer portal. The Huskies’ defense a year ago was one of the best in the entire country but lost almost all of its production to graduation and the portal. Upfront, DEs Roy Williams and Jalonnie Williams are back with the Huskies after combining for 8 sacks in 2024. On the back end, S Muhammed Jammeh will lead the secondary. The rest of the defense has potential but no proven starters going into the year. The Huskies got their program defining win a year ago. This season they are hoping that the transfer additions can gel quickly and the pieces fall into place to compete for a MAC title.

Final Record Prediction: 6-6 (5-3)

7. Central Michigan University Chippewas

Head Coach: Matt Drinkall- At School and Overall: 1st year

Impact Players: QB Joe Labas, RB Trey Cornist, RB Nahree Biggins, WR Tyson Davis, DE Kade Kostus, DE Michael Heldman, LB Dakota Cochran, LB Jordan Kwiatkowski, S Caleb Spann, S Elijah Rikard

Preview: 

Former Army OC Matt Drinkall takes over for the Chippewas following a disappointing season in Mt. Pleasant. Part of the four win season can be attributed to the injury to starting QB Joe Labas, who is returning this season and expected to be ready to lead the offense. At Army, Drinkall focused on the run, as most military schools do. He’ll have the benefit of a few options on the run game behind Tulane transfer Trey Cornist and returning backup Nahree Biggins. The o-line will be made up of majority transfers as will be the receiving corps. On defense, leader and all-conference LB Jordan Kwiatkowski is returning to Central Michigan. Up front, ends Kade Kostus and Michael Heldman will be tasked with getting after the quarterback. The secondary will be led by returning safeties Elijah Rikard and Caleb Spann. The Chippewas haven’t had a winning season since 2021. The defense has talent but the offense remains a mystery as to whether or not the new faces will be able to gel well enough to put together a bowl worthy season.

Final Record Prediction: 6-6 (5-3)

8. Ball State University Cardinals

Head Coach: Mike Uremovich – At School: 1st year; Overall: (56-56) 10 years

Impact Players: QB Kiael Kelly, RB Elijah Jackson, RB Qua Ashley, WR Ty Robinson, WR Qian Magwood, LB Joe Stemler, S Jordan Coleman

Preview: 

In the offseason, Ball State decided to move on from long term coach Mike Neu in favor of former Butler coach Mike Uremovich. For Uremovich, he inherits a 3-9 team that lacked identity last season. Leading the offense will be QB Kiael Kelly, who spent last season playing wide receiver and defensive back after spending the season prior as QB. Joining him in the backfield is Purdue transfer Elijah Jackson and Qua Ashley. On the outside, receivers Qian Magwood and Ty Robinson should provide Kelly playmakers to get the ball too. It can’t get much worse for the Cardinals on defense. They ranked near the bottom of the conference and the nation in almost every statistical category. LB Joey Stemler is the top tackle leader returning to Muncie. Outside of Stemler, almost every position on defense will be up for competition in the spring. Although no one expects Ball State to be a title competitor in Year 1, they will be a tough out each week and could catch a few of the top teams by surprise, if they are overlooked. 

Final Record Prediction: 4-8 (3-5)

9. Eastern Michigan University Eagles

Head Coach: Chris Creighton- At School: (57-75) 11 years; Overall: (196-118) 28 years

Impact Players: QB Noah Kim, RB Dontae McMillan, RB James Jointer Jr, LG Mickey Rewolinski, WR Terry Lockett, WR Porter Rooks, DE Jefferson Adam, S Barry Manning, LB Kadin Bailey

Preview:

The Eagle program got a huge boost this offseason when Maxx Crosby took on the role of general manager for the program. His focus will be primarily on the transfer portal and NIL funding and it already is paying dividends as over 25 players joined the program this offseason. One of which is expected starting QB Noah Kim, who’s had a rollercoaster of a college career that included stops at Michigan St and Coastal Carolina. Fellow Sun Belt transfer RB James Jointer will join RB Dontae McMillan in the backfield. WR Terry Lockett has all-league skill and is joined by WR Porter Rooks to give Kim solid targets in the passing game. On defense, the story will be if the transfers can make a meaningful impact. LB Kadin Bailey joins the Eagles from Syracuse. A couple of returning d-linemen, Tyrell Martin and Donovan Greene, should help anchor the front seven. In the secondary, CB Joshua Scott is returning from injury and has all-league potential. Chris Creighton is the longest tenured coach in the conference but hasn’t had much success, just 3 winning seasons in 11 years. He’ll get the benefit of a new injection of NIL funding to try to build a roster to compete in the conference, although it won’t happen overnight.

Final Record Prediction: 4-8 (3-5)

10. Western Michigan University Broncos

Head Coach: Lance Moore – At School and Overall: (10-15) 3 Years

Impact Players: QB Broc Lowry, RB Jalen Buckley, TE Blake Bosma, WR Talique Williams, DE Popeye Williams, DT Isaih Greene, S Tate Hallock, S Aaron Wofford

Preview: 

You could make the argument that Lance Taylor’s second season in Kalamazoo was a success, going 6-7 after a bowl loss to South Alabama. However, you could make the season should have been a bigger success if the Broncos were able to gut out victories against Marshall and Central Michigan and finish with a winning record. This season may be one of transition for the Broncos. They will have a young QB under center in So. Broc Lowry and an underclassman, albeit experienced, RB in Jalen Buckley. For Lowry, he’ll get the benefit of throwing to ultra reliable TE Blake Bosma. On defense DE Popeye Williams (great name) is joined by Tyson Lee upfront. The secondary is the strength of this unit. S Tate Hallock was an all-conference player last season and is joined in the defensive backfield by fellow safety Aaron Wofford, who recorded over 50 tackles a season ago. It will be an interesting season for the Broncos as new faces try to mesh with returning talent. I wouldn’t be surprised if this team struggles out the gate before finding it towards the tail end of the season.

Final Record Prediction: 4-8 (3-5)

11. Akron University Zips

Head Coach: Joe Moorhead- At School: (8-28) 3 years; Overall: (59-53) 9 years

Impact Players: QB Ben Finley, WR Alex Adams, TE Jake Newell, WR Tim Gear, LB Shammond Cooper, LB Gage Summers, DE Cyrus Durham, S Justin Anderson, S Darrian Lewis

Preview: 

Akron hasn’t posted a winning record since 2015 and has managed just 11 wins in the past 6 seasons. The first few seasons of the Jim Moorehead era were not great, going 2-10 in both seasons. Last season was an improvement; managing 4 wins including 3 in conference. This season will again test Zips fans’ patience. Back at QB is Ben Finley, who has served the last few seasons as the front man for the Zips offense. Finley brings experience and some solid intangibles to an offense that was respectable through the air. More good news for the Zips is that WR Alex Adams should be healthy for this season and will join TE Jake Newell as the primary options in the passing game. The defense is young. They are one of the youngest units in all of college football with a spring depth chart boasting 6 potential freshmen starters. On the flip side, the linebacker unit may be one of the most experienced in the MAC. LB Gage Summers and Shammond Cooper will help shorten the learning curve for the rest of the defense. Listen, Akron is not the easiest job in the country but that being said, Moorehead’s seat is heating up. With any luck, the younger guys on this roster will be able to contribute and build momentum. A bowl game would be unlikely even if the program hadn’t been ruled academically ineligible in the offseason.

Final Record Prediction: 4-8 (2-6)

12. Kent State University Golden Flashes

Head Coach: Mark Carney- At School and Overall: 1st Year

Impact Players: RB Jordan Nubin, WR Jay-Jay Etheridge, WR Jahzae Kimbrough, WR Deshawn Martin, LB Mason Woods, S Tevin Tucker

Preview: 

Well if you’re the Golden Flashes, it can’t get much worse right? In 2023, the Kent State program managed just 1 win. In 2024, they followed that up with a winless 0-12 record. To top it all off, head coach Kenni Burns was fired following a school investigation into donation funds. All that being said, it’s a fresh start for Matt Carney and Kent State. This fresh start is expected to be led by Fordham transfer QB CJ Montes. Even through all the change, there are some positives for the offense. The o-line and wide receiver room are one of the more experienced rooms in the conference and Minnesota transfer RB Jordan Nubin should provide an instant spark in the run game. On defense, Kent State is suffering from the same affliction as most mid-majors, having to rebuild through the portal. On the front seven, LB Mason Woods and DE Antoine Campbell will be the leaders and most experienced contributors. In the secondary, S Tevin Tucker will lead a unit of FCS transfers. The only place to go is up. Following a 1-23 record in the past two seasons, the program is in disarray. But there is some hope. If transfers can prove themselves and the skill positions stay healthy, I could see the Golden Flashes matching or even surpassing their win total from the last two years.

Final Record Prediction: 2-10 (1-7)

13. University of Massachusetts Minuteman

Head Coach: Joe Harasymiak- At School: 1st Year;Overall: (20-15) 3 years

Impact Players: QB Grant Jordan, QB AJ Hairston, RB Rocko Griffin, WR T.Y. Harding, LB Darrieon Craig, S DD Snyder 

Preview: 

UMASS is making the move back to the Mid-American Conference after a 10 year hiatus. The Minutemen won 7 conference games in 4 years in the MAC before becoming independent. The change in conference was also met by a change in coaching and at QB. Joe Harasymiak was tasked with leading the Minuteman in their journey back to the MAC and he dipped into the FCS ranks to grab Yale QB Grant Jordan. Along with Jordan, UMASS welcomes RB Rocko Griffin to Amherst via UTSA. T.Y. Harding will lead the receiving room. The o-line will be a work in progress. On defense, the Minuteman will lean on the experience of DE Joshua Nobles and LB Darrieon Craig while the rest of the front seven figures itself out. S DD Snyder will lead the backfield unit. Honestly, I am not sure what to expect from UMASS this season. In 2024, UMASS failed to beat an FBS opponent. UMASS may surprise some people this season, but there is far too much uncertainty around the roster that could convince that this team is anywhere near a bowl eligible program. 

Final Record Prediction: 1-11 (0-8)