The MAC enters the 2026 season with plenty of teams capable of making a run at the conference title. Western Michigan returns as the defending champion, while Miami, Toledo, Ohio and Central Michigan headline a strong group of challengers.
With new coaches, transfer additions and Sacramento State joining the conference for football, there are plenty of unknowns heading into the year.
Here are my 2026 MAC Football Preseason Power Rankings.
1. Western Michigan
The defending MAC champions deserve the top spot entering 2026. Western Michigan returns quarterback Broc Lowry and has established itself as the team everyone else in the conference is chasing.
The Broncos received nine first-place votes in the MAC preseason coaches poll, making them the clear favorite to repeat.
Outlook: MAC Championship Favorite
2. Miami (Ohio)
Miami has reached three straight MAC Championship Games and remains one of the safest bets in the conference under Chuck Martin.
There are some important pieces to replace, but the RedHawks have earned the benefit of the doubt until someone knocks them out of the championship race.
Outlook: MAC Championship Contender
3. Toledo
Toledo begins a new era with Mike Jacobs replacing Jason Candle. Jacobs went 20-6 with two conference championships at Mercer and has already added plenty of talent through the transfer portal.
There could be some early growing pains, but Toledo has enough talent to win the MAC in Jacobs’ first season.
Outlook: MAC Championship Contender
4. Ohio
Ohio has won 40 games over the past four seasons, making the Bobcats one of the MAC’s most consistent programs.
A coaching change brings some uncertainty, but Ohio has proven it can reload and remain competitive year after year.
Outlook: Championship Dark Horse
5. Central Michigan
Central Michigan took a big step forward under Matt Drinkall in 2025, reaching a bowl game and posting its first winning season in four years.
If the Chippewas continue that progress in Year 2, they could become a serious threat to the MAC’s top teams.
Outlook: Dark Horse
6. Buffalo
Buffalo enters 2026 right in the middle of the MAC picture.
The Bulls have enough talent to push for a bowl game and potentially climb higher, but they’ll need more consistency before being considered a true championship contender.
Outlook: Bowl Contender
7. Eastern Michigan
Chris Creighton continues to keep Eastern Michigan competitive regardless of roster turnover.
The Eagles may not have the talent of the teams at the top, but they’re rarely an easy opponent and should once again fight for bowl eligibility.
Outlook: Bowl Bubble
8. Kent State
Kent State enters 2026 looking to continue moving in the right direction.
The Golden Flashes aren’t ready to challenge the MAC’s best teams yet, but another step forward could put them firmly into the middle of the conference.
Outlook: Possible Surprise Team
9. Bowling Green
Bowling Green has enough talent to finish higher than ninth, but there are questions surrounding how the Falcons replace some important pieces.
If those questions are answered quickly, Bowling Green could easily work its way into the bowl conversation.
Outlook: Bowl Eligibility Battle
10. Akron
Akron has shown improvement, but now the Zips need that progress to translate into more wins.
Competing for bowl eligibility would represent another significant step forward for the program.
Outlook: Trending Up
11. Ball State
Ball State enters 2026 with more questions than answers.
The Cardinals will need improved quarterback play and several younger players to step up if they’re going to climb into the middle of the MAC standings.
Outlook: Rebuilding
12. Sacramento State
Sacramento State officially joins the MAC for football in 2026, making the Hornets one of the conference’s biggest wild cards.
There’s talent in the program, but how quickly Sacramento State adjusts to its new competition remains the biggest question.
Outlook: Wild Card
13. UMass
UMass still has plenty to prove after returning to the MAC.
The Minutemen enter 2026 at the bottom of the rankings, but even becoming more competitive throughout conference play would be a positive step.
Outlook: Prove-It Season
Final Rankings
- Western Michigan
- Miami (Ohio)
- Toledo
- Ohio
- Central Michigan
- Buffalo
- Eastern Michigan
- Kent State
- Bowling Green
- Akron
- Ball State
- Sacramento State
- UMass
Western Michigan enters the year as the team to beat, but the gap isn’t huge. Miami, Toledo and Ohio all have legitimate championship potential, while Central Michigan could become one of the conference’s biggest surprises.
With the unpredictability that comes with MAC football, these rankings could look completely different once MACtion arrives in November.
