MAC Football 2025 Predictions - Yahoo Sports

MAC Football 2025 Predictions originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Change is the biggest storyline for the MAC entering the 2025 college football season. UMass joins the conference to bring the total membership to 13 teams, while departures through the transfer portal took a toll on every program. Only one MAC team (Buffalo) returns more than nine starters in ’25. The Bulls should be one of the frontrunners to win the conference title, with Toledo, Miami (Ohio), and Ohio also in the top tier. Despite returning only three starters, expect coach Thomas Hammock to have Northern Illinois in contention for a bowl.

Sorting out the second cluster of teams in the MAC is a tough assignment considering the significant attrition and coaching changes at Bowling Green and Central Michigan. Western Michigan took a step forward in coach Lance Taylor’s second season in ’24 but lost a good chunk of talent on both sides of the ball. Eastern Michigan is a candidate to surprise, but coach Chris Creighton’s squad lost several starters and faces a tough schedule in ’25. Akron, Ball State, UMass, and Kent State round out the bottom tier of the MAC this fall.

How does Athlon Sports project the MAC for 2025? Steven Lassan predicts and ranks all 13 teams in MAC for this fall:

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MAC 2025 Predictions

Toledo head coach Jason Candle© Kimberly P&period; Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

MAC Championship Game: Toledo over Buffalo

1. Toledo

After finishing 11-3 and playing for the MAC title in 2023, the Rockets took a step back last season with an 8-5 record. A rebound should be in order this fall, as coach Jason Candle’s team returns nine starters and addressed key needs through the portal.

A typically stout Toledo rushing attack ranked No. 127 nationally in success rate, so Candle dipped into the portal for a pair of talented running backs in Chip Trayanum (Kentucky) and Kenji Christian (North Carolina A&T). Also, the arrival of MAC standout Trayvon Rudolph from Northern Illinois provides quarterback Tucker Gleason (2,808 passing yards in ‘24) with another weapon to go with Junior Vandeross III on the outside. Three starters are back up front, and Candle added a few bodies through the portal to add needed competition and depth on a unit hoping to take a step forward.

Toledo’s defense has finished in the top three of the MAC in fewest yards per play in five straight seasons. Expect another strong group in ‘25. Four starters are back to anchor the secondary, while coordinator Vince Kehres has experience and a couple of transfers on the way to retool the front.

2. Buffalo

The hire of coach Pete Lembo paid big-time dividends for the Bulls in 2024. After going 3-9 the previous year, Buffalo improved to 9-4 overall and finished 6-2 in MAC play. With 16 starters back, along with home games against MAC contenders Miami (Ohio) and Ohio, Lembo’s team has all of the pieces in place to take the next step and win the conference crown.

After averaging 35.3 points in MAC-only contests last season, optimism is high once again on offense. Running back Al-Jay Henderson (1,078 yards) and three starters along the line are back to power one of the MAC’s top rushing attacks. Nik McMillan and Victor Snow form a solid one-two punch at receiver. The transfer of quarterback CJ Ogbonna was a setback, but former Kansas State signal-caller Ta’Quan Roberson should provide a seamless transition.

With 10 starters back, Buffalo’s defense should be among the best in the MAC. End Kobe Stewart’s return (12 TFL in ‘24) after briefly entering the transfer portal in the spring is a huge boost to the front. Also, the second level boasts standouts Red Murdock and Dion Crawford, while an experienced secondary should take a step forward on the stat sheet (No. 6 in the MAC in pass efficiency defense last year).

3. Miami (Ohio)

Miami (Ohio) coach Chuck MartinCarter Skaggs-USA TODAY NETWORK

The RedHawks are 14-2 in regular season MAC play over the last two years and have made back-to-back treks to the conference title game with a title in 2023. Despite significant turnover from the starting unit, coach Chuck Martin’s team will factor into the championship mix once again.

Former Toledo (and Baylor) quarterback Dequan Finn transferred to Miami to fill the void left by Brett Gabbert. In 2023, Finn led the MAC in yards per play (7.3) and total offense (247.7 yards a game). The return of running back Kenny Tracy from a torn ACL alleviates the loss of Keyon Mozee in the backfield, while Martin dipped into the portal for help at receiver in the form of power conference transfers in Darion Williamson (Florida State), Cordale Russell (Colorado), and Deion Colzie (Notre Dame). With five new starters, the line is Martin’s biggest concern this fall.

With an offense in transition, expect the RedHawks to lean on their defense early in the ‘25 campaign. Five starters are back, including standout safety Eli Blakey and nickel Oscar McWood. Edge rusher Adam Trick (5.5 TFL in ‘24) is a breakout candidate to watch. With key games against Ohio, Toledo, and Buffalo in November, Miami’s defense should give the offense plenty of time to find the right mix before a stretch run at the conference title.

4. Ohio

The Bobcats are 31-10 since 2022 and won the program’s first MAC Championship since 1968 last fall. But change is in the air for ‘25. Coach Tim Albin departed after guiding Ohio to the conference title last season, with offensive coordinator Brian Smith promoted to the top spot.

Smith’s promotion should ensure the Bobcats won’t miss much of a beat, especially on offense where this unit led the MAC by averaging 6.2 yards a snap last year. Quarterback Parker Navarro (266.8 total yards a game in ‘24) returns, with running back Sieh Bangura (811 yards in ‘23) transferring back to Ohio after a year at Minnesota. Top receiver Coleman Owen will be missed, but the Bobcats still have a solid foundation on the outside. The biggest concern is an offensive line breaking in four new starters.

Retaining coordinator John Hauser was a big early win for Smith after Ohio’s defense led the MAC in fewest points allowed per contest for the second year in a row. However, Hauser has his work cut out for him in ‘25. The Bobcats suffered heavy attrition up front and dipped into the portal for help. The secondary (No. 75 nationally in success rate in ‘24) should be a strength with DJ Walker, Tank Pearson, and Adonis Williams returning.

5. Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock© Mickey Welsh / USA TODAY NETWORK

Northern Illinois pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the 2024 season with a Week 2 victory at Notre Dame. The Huskies used that win to propel them to another solid year (8-5) under coach Thomas Hammock.

Replicating last year’s success won’t be easy with only three starters returning. However, Hammock’s team has plenty to build around on offense, starting with a deep stable of running backs that includes Telly Johnson Jr., Romelo Ware, and Jaylon Poe. Much of the rebuilding effort on offense is focused up front (four new starters) and at receiver (top four statistical options gone). Sophomore Josh Holst played in seven games last year and is the frontrunner to start at quarterback. However, he will be pushed by Jalen Macon and Dartmouth transfer Jackson Proctor.

New defensive coordinator Rob Harley also has his hands full this offseason. The top eight tacklers are gone from ‘24, but this unit has experience in the form of Roy Williams and Jalonnie Williams back off the edge. The Huskies also have an intriguing group of linebackers ready to step in, with cornerback Jacob Finley returning to anchor the secondary.

6. Bowling Green

After guiding Bowling Green to three bowl trips and a 20-19 record over the last three seasons, coach Scot Loeffler departed for the NFL. His late February departure was a setback to this program, but the Falcons made one of the most intriguing hires of the 2024-25 cycle in former Heisman Trophy winner and Tennessee State coach Eddie George. He also imported both of his coordinators from Tennessee State to Bowling Green, but the late coaching change will require a fast transition.

With Connor Bazelak departing, the Falcons are expected to turn to another power conference transfer in Drew Pyne to start at quarterback. Four starters returning provide a veteran offensive line for Pyne to work behind, while Finn Hogan and RJ Garcia are two solid playmakers at receiver. Finding a new go-to running back is the top priority for the offense this offseason.

After holding MAC teams to just 4.8 yards a play, Bowling Green’s defense is under renovation with every starter gone from ‘24. Safety Darius Lorfils should be a standout on the back end, with transfers Eriq George (Tennessee State) and Collins Acheampong (UCLA) expected to make an instant impact in the trenches.

7. Central Michigan

New coach Matt Drinkall arrives in Mount Pleasant after spending the last six years at Army and previously went 42-17 as the head coach at Kansas Wesleyan from 2014-18. Could the combination of hiring Drinkall and a solid returning group of players get Central Michigan back on track after three straight losing seasons?

Quarterback Joe Labas returns to the lineup after missing the final six contests due to injury. However, Drinkall is reloading around Labas, as the Chippewas lost their top three statistical rushers and top four statistical receivers from ‘24. The return of receiver Tyson Davis from injury will provide a boost, and Tulane transfer Trey Cornist should contribute right away in an unproven backfield.

With an offense in transition, don’t be surprised if Central Michigan leans on its defense early in the ‘25 campaign. Six starters are back off a unit that finished No. 31 nationally in defensive success rate last year. Linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski is a stalwart at the second level, while Michael Heldman (six TFL in ‘24) is back to anchor the trenches.

8. Western Michigan

Western Michigan coach Lance TaylorRich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos took a step forward in coach Lance Taylor’s second season with a bowl appearance and a 6-7 overall record. Also, the team’s 5-3 mark in MAC play was the program’s first winning record in conference action since ‘19 (5-3).

Building on last season’s success won’t be easy, however. Western Michigan’s offense returns standout running back Jalen Buckley and tight end Blake Bosma, but coordinator Walt Bell has to sort out a quarterback battle that includes former Indiana signal-caller Broc Lowry or junior college prospect Brady Jones. The offensive line is also breaking in five new starters.

The rebuilding theme continues on defense with just three returning starters. Safety Tate Hallock is one of the MAC’s top defensive backs, but new faces need to emerge up front and linebacker to alleviate heavy losses from the ‘24 unit. Popeye Williams, Rodney McGraw, and Tyson Lee form a promising trio in the trenches, while additional help from the portal is on its way to bolster a unit that allowed 6.2 yards a snap in MAC play last year.

9. Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan is the team most likely to overperform this preseason prediction in the MAC. Despite coaching at one of the toughest jobs in college football, Chris Creighton has guided this program to six bowl trips in the last nine years.

In order to return to the postseason after a 5-7 mark last year, Creighton must overcome a tough schedule and a roster that returns only six starters. Former Michigan State and Coastal Carolina signal-caller Noah Kim is the frontrunner to start under center with Jeremiah Salem and Cameron Edge (Maryland transfer) also in the mix. The Eagles should have a solid pairing in the backfield with Dontae McMillan back from injury, along with the arrival of Tavierre Dunlap from the portal. Receiver Terry Lockett is one of the best in the MAC.

In addition to finding a new quarterback and rebuilding up front, Creighton needs to restock a defense that lost its top 10 tacklers and struggled to stop the pass in ‘24. The return of defensive back Joshua Scott after missing most of last season due to injury will help, with linebacker Zach Mowchan also on the mend from a torn ACL suffered in the third game of ‘24.

10. Akron

Akron quarterback Ben FinleyJeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Image

Coach Joe Moorhead has struggled to find his footing in three years with the Zips, but the program is coming off its best record (4-8) since his arrival in 2022. Finding and developing talent hasn’t been a problem for Moorhead, but the program has struggled to retain players in the NIL/portal era. Also, a postseason ban due to low APR scores will only add to Moorhead’s challenge in ‘25.

Finding a spark on offense is a must since Akron has not ranked higher than 10th in the MAC in scoring in each of the last three years. Quarterback Ben Finley and receiver Alex Adams are a good starting point, while FCS transfers in Jordan Gant (Tennessee State) and Chris Gee (Colgate) will handle the duties on the ground.

The Zips are also under construction on defense with just three starters back. The departures of linebacker Bryan McCoy (Oklahoma State) and end CJ Nunnally IV (Purdue) to transfer were a significant setback to a unit that held MAC offenses to 5.97 yards a snap in ‘24. Redshirt freshman Bruno Dall is a name to watch in ‘25.

11. Ball State

New coach Mike Uremovich is an Indiana native and had a previous stint as an assistant at Northern Illinois, so the 48-year-old coach is no stranger to life in the MAC. Also, his 23-11 record at Butler over the last three seasons showed an ability to get the most out of the roster in a tough spot.

Uremovich has his work cut out on offense in ‘25 with just one returning starter. Senior Kiael Kelly is likely to start at quarterback and has displayed dynamic ability on the ground but was up-and-down as a passer in previous snaps. Four new starters need to be found up front. However, Kelly has solid skill talent to work with, including Kennesaw State transfer Qua Ashley at running back and Qian Magwood and Ty Robinson at receiver.

Uremovich maintained some staff continuity by keeping defensive signal-caller Jeff Knowles in ‘25. But Knowles has a busy offseason ahead, as the Cardinals allowed 40.1 points a contest last year and brought back just two starters.

12. UMass

The Minutemen have struggled to find success with a 7-41 mark since 2021 and no season of more than four victories at the FBS level. However, the ‘25 season brings new optimism with a move to the MAC (providing a more favorable schedule), along with new coach Joe Harasymiak.

The new staff dipped into the portal for significant help on both sides of the ball. Yale transfer Grant Jordan is set to battle AJ Hairston to start at quarterback this fall, with another portal addition in Rocko Griffin (UTSA) likely to lead the ground game. The Minutemen return two of their top receivers from ‘24 but must find three new starters up front.

Harasymiak’s background on defense should pay off with some instant improvement after UMass gave up 35.5 points a game last year. Similar to the offense, expect transfers to make an impact at all three levels this fall.

13. Kent State

The Golden Flashes are just 1-23 over the last two seasons and major improvement is unlikely in ‘25 after a tumultuous offseason. Head coach Kenni Burns was dismissed in April, with offensive coordinator Mark Carney now leading the team as the interim coach this fall.

Just two starters return from an offense that averaged 4.1 yards a snap last season. Sorting out a quarterback battle that includes Fordham transfer CJ Montes is the top priority in the fall, as well as addressing a line with one returning starter. The Golden Flashes are thin on proven receivers, but running back should be a bright spot with Gavin Garcia and Minnesota transfer Jordan Nubin leading the way.

Every level of a defense that allowed 44.1 points a game was hit hard by departures. A couple of transfers in the spring portal window trimmed the returning starter total to just two for ‘25.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.

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MAC Football 2025 Predictions – Yahoo Sports