Fast forward one month from now. It’s a Tuesday night, and there’s no football on…or so you think. The MAC, and mid-week pigskin, is back! Let’s preview and predict who will come out on top in the Mid-American this season. In addition, we’ll look at some of the best conference futures available on DraftKings Sportsbook.
MAC Football Betting Preview
The biggest headline of the MAC season came in Week 2. Northern Illinois, as a heavy road underdog, earned a 16-14 win at Notre Dame Stadium. Beyond the box score, it was an upset victory that put the entire college football world on notice. Even the best programs in America can’t overlook the Mid-American Conference. Although NIU’s season fell apart in the second half, the MAC wasn’t lacking in quality programs. The conference turned into a three-team race between Miami (OH), Ohio, and Buffalo. It was the latter two that earned a trip to the championship game in November, with Ohio coming out on top.
The Mid-American could look a lot different in 2025. For starters, UMass has joined, marking the conference’s first membership change in over ten years. In addition, the offseason saw several high-profile head coaches depart for greener pastures. Defending champion Ohio saw Tim Albin sign with Charlotte, while Scot Loeffler said goodbye to Bowling Green. In total, five head coaches will be making their MAC debut this year.
Turnover on the sidelines is one thing. Unfortunately, several high-end players have also left for more notable schools. That makes it incredibly difficult to predict which schools have an edge in the MAC. Regardless, with change also comes opportunity. Someone is destined to win this conference. Let’s break down which teams have the best value going into the 2025 season.
Best MAC Futures
Toledo over 8.5 wins (-140)
Sustained success at any non-Power 4 program has grown increasingly rare in college football. That’s what makes Jason Candle’s run at Toledo all the more impressive. Under his control since 2015, the school has compiled a stellar 73-40 cumulative record. That includes four different seasons of nine or more wins. Still, the Rockets have only won two MAC championships during that time (2017, 2022). 2025 was yet another oh-so-close campaign. Despite winning eight times, including a 24-point blowout vs. Misssissipi State, Toledo fell just short of the title game.
Regardless of if the Rockets win the conference this year, it’s impossible to see them fall out of contention. For starters, Candle is bringing back the nucleus of his offense. Quarterback Tucker Gleason returns, joined by wideout Junior Vandeross III. In addition, transfers Chip Trayanum (Kentucky) and Trayvon Rudolph (Northern Illinois) should make a difference. On defense, Toledo surrendered an average of 23.2 points per game last year, the nation’s 47th-best mark. With most of the team’s secondary returning, this unit should remain one of the MAC’s best. A terrific head coach, experienced players, and a manageable schedule? Nine wins is a reasonable expectation for this group.
Buffalo over 7.5 wins (-120)
We’ll turn to another conference contender in Buffalo. Much like Toledo, 2024 was ‘close, but no cigar’ for the 9-4 Bulls. A blowout loss to Ohio in October proved to be the difference. Still, the team did end the season strong with a 26-7 blowout win over Liberty in the Bahamas Bowl. It helps that they’re led by Pete Lembo, formerly of Ball State. In just his first season at UB, he authored a six-win improvement.
As good as last season was for the Bulls, it doesn’t guarantee future success. However, this group will be welcoming back a slew of key pieces this year. That includes star running back Al-Jay Henderson, who ran for 1,078 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. Most of the offensive line will be back as well; expect this team to wield a lethal rushing attack. Quarterback is a question mark with starter C.J. Ogbanna gone. Regardless, it might not matter if the ground game can carry the offense. Combined with a deep, disruptive defensive line, and Lembo has plenty of firepower at his disposal. Following a visit to Minnesota in Week 1, the schedule is fairly advantageous, as well. Buffalo has everything it needs for a trip to the MAC title game.
Bowling Green over 4.5 conference wins (-115)
Bowling Green enjoyed a stellar 7-6 season last year. Unfortunately, head coach Scot Loeffler is gone, joining the Philadelphia Eagles as their quarterbacks coach. In his place, it’ll be former Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George. The college football legend has done wonders at Tennessee State. Now, he’ll jump from the FCS to FBS ranks at Bowling Green. Unsurprisingly, Loeffler’s departure and George’s arrival has led to plenty of portal activity. Among returning starters, only safety Darius Lorfils remains on defense. Outside of the offensive line, it’s a similar story on the other side of the ball.
As difficult as it is to replace a whole team, I have faith in George’s transfers. We’ve seen FCS talent translate well at the next level before, and that’s what Bowling Green is hoping for. This defense is almost entirely made up of Tennessee State alums, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There should be plenty of chemistry, especially up front. In addition, former Missouri quarterback Drew Pyne offers veteran leadership under center. The conference schedule starts out tough for the Falcons, who play Ohio and Toledo early. However, things get much easier to end the season. Don’t be shocked if BGU earns a handful of MAC victories.
UMass under 3.5 wins (+105)
We had to have one under on the list, and history tells us this is the right pick. After all, the Minutemen haven’t reached four wins in over seven seasons. Few programs in the country have done less over the past decade than UMass. Unsurprisingly, the school has undergone plenty of turnover at the head coaching position. This year, it’ll be newly hired Joe Harasymiak in charge. The former Rutgers defensive coordinator has spent a good amount of time around program builder Greg Schiano. Can he do the same in Amherst?
I’m leaning towards no. Obviously, the recent track record for this school is abysmal. Beyond that, this just doesn’t look like a very talented team. Quarterback is up in the air, with freshman AJ Hairston battling Yale transfer Grant Jordan and Utah transfer Brandon Rose. Elsewhere, the running game will depend heavily on Rocko Griffin. Last season with UTSA, he churned out 5.3 yards per carry and nine touchdowns. The defense, regardless of who is brought in, should improve just by virtue of Harasymiak’s play calling. Still, a transfer-heavy roster coming off of a two-win season doesn’t bode well. UMass should be more competitive in 2025, but I’ll gladly take the under at plus money.
