UMass Joining Mid-American Conference in 2025

News Summary

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) welcomes the University of Massachusetts (UMass) as its 13th all-sports member starting in the 2025-26 academic year. UMass previously participated as a football-only member from 2012 to 2015. This addition provides an opportunity for improved scheduling in the MAC, which is also considering further expansion with potential interest from Western Kentucky University (WKU). The MAC aims to simplify logistics and enhance competitive dynamics within college sports.

Exciting News for College Sports in the Midwest!

In a move that has many sports fans buzzing with excitement, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) has officially announced that the University of Massachusetts (UMass) will be joining as a full-time member starting with the 2025-26 academic year. This means that UMass will become the 13th all-sports member of the MAC, which has been confirmed by reliable sources. The news follows UMass’s previous run with the MAC as a football-only member from 2012 to 2015, after which they chose to go the independent route.

So, what does this mean for the MAC? With UMass entering the fold, there’s a clear opportunity for the conference to balance out its scheduling. Those familiar with college sports know that scheduling can get tricky, especially with bye weeks. The MAC is already eyeing a 14th member to simplify the process even further and reduce stress around logistics.

Western Kentucky University on the Radar

Enter Western Kentucky University (WKU), which is quickly becoming a hot topic of discussion when it comes to potential membership. WKU had shown interest in joining the MAC back in 2021 during a period of conference realignment. However, when Middle Tennessee State University decided to stick with Conference USA (CUSA), WKU remained in their current conference. But here’s where it gets juicy—recent reports indicate that there’s mutual interest between WKU and the MAC, paving the way for the Hilltoppers to possibly make the move.

WKU is not just sitting on the sidelines; they have a fairly impressive track record in football. Over the past decade, they’ve flexed their muscle with a couple of Conference USA titles in 2015 and 2016. In fact, they’ve qualified for bowl games in nine out of the last ten seasons and have a fine 7-2 postseason record since becoming a part of CUSA in 2014. They’ve had 10 NFL draft selections since 2016, showcasing the talent flowing out of their program, notably featuring the famous quarterback Bailey Zappe, who broke single-season FBS records in 2021.

Attendance Matters!

For those wondering about fan support, WKU’s home games usually see an impressive crowd of over 20,000 fans at the Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, which has a capacity of 22,000. This consistent turnout is a testament to their passionate supporters who create an electric atmosphere during games.

What’s Next for the MAC?

Before UMass joins, the MAC has been operating with 12 full-time members, opting for a pod scheduling system rather than the traditional divisions. Having an even number of teams is often considered more convenient for scheduling byes, something that many conferences are now taking into consideration. The realignment landscape has certainly changed since 2021, with teams entering and leaving CUSA, leading to a more stable conference environment.

Should WKU make the jump to the MAC, it could also influence the fate of local rivalries and potentially even lead to the addition of Eastern Kentucky University to CUSA. The MAC has long been viewed as a consistent conference, with no full-time member leaving since 2005. However, debate lingers over whether the MAC or CUSA offers better opportunities for teams like WKU in terms of both media rights and competitive success.

In the end, a move to the MAC would not just impact WKU but would ripple through the entire college sports landscape, highlighting the dynamic nature of conference realignment. Fans will be watching closely over the next couple of years as these exciting changes unfold!