UMass will rejoin the MAC for all sports in the 2025-26 academic year after a 10-year absence, announced by the conference. The football program had previously participated in the MAC from 2012-2015 before transitioning to independence.

By the Numbers
  • UMass competed in the MAC from 2012-2015 after moving from the Football Championship Subdivision.
  • UMass football has been independent since 2015 and has gone through three coaches without making a bowl game.
  • UMass' return will increase the MAC's membership to 13, necessitating a format change, as divisions will be eliminated starting in 2023.
State of Play
  • UMass' addition increases the MAC's membership to 13 teams, impacting the conference's competitive dynamic.
  • The MAC has announced the elimination of divisions, aligning with the majority of modern-era conferences.
Bottom Line

UMass' return to the MAC as a full member in 2025 signifies a significant shift in the conference's structure and dynamics, impacting the competitive landscape and future matchups.