MAC schedule released
The 2026 MAC schedule is out and conference play kicks off Aug. 29, giving teams a concrete timeline for fall prep and nonconference planning. (fbschedules.com) Schools now have dates to structure summer strength cycles and position battles around before camp opens. (fbschedules.com)
Sacramento State will compete in its first FBS season as a MAC member and the Hornets’ league slate includes home games against UMass, Ohio, Kent State and Toledo. (hornetsports.com) Sacramento State is subject to the FCS-to-FBS transition rules and is listed as ineligible for postseason play during the transition period. (en.wikipedia.org) Northern Illinois will not be on the 2026 MAC slate after the Huskies accepted a football-only invite to the Mountain West, a move that takes effect July 1, 2026. (themw.com) The conference continues without East/West divisions under the MAC’s scheduling model announced for 2024–26, with the top two teams by conference winning percentage meeting for the MAC title. (getsomemaction.com) The MAC championship is scheduled for December 5, 2026, at Ford Field in Detroit per the league’s released calendar for the season. (en.wikipedia.org) Several league teams drew high-profile nonconference opponents on the released slate, including Ohio at Nebraska, Ball State at Ohio State, Toledo at Michigan State, Western Michigan at Michigan and Miami (Ohio) at Pittsburgh. (espn.com) Toledo and Bowling Green are both slated to open their 2026 seasons on Saturday, Sept. 5, according to local schedules released after the MAC announcement. (wtol.com) Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan are scheduled to play a midweek “Motor City MACtion” game at Ford Field in November as part of the conference’s midweek broadcast window. (emueagles.com)
