UMass opens its MACtion schedule Wednesday, Nov. 4, hosting Ball State at 7 p.m. on ESPNU. The teams enter tied in their series, as the Minutemen begin a stretch of three Wednesday conference games.

By the Numbers
  • The series is tied 2-2.
  • The Riccios committed $3 million to support UMass football through the Script U Scholarship Society.
  • UMass has three Wednesday MAC games: Ball State on Nov. 4, Toledo on Nov. 11 and Akron on Nov. 18.
Yes, But

The gift is a major investment, but UMass frames it as part of a longer effort to build sustained success—not a quick fix. Donor Daniel J. Riccio Jr. said the commitment supports the program’s direction under athletic director Ryan Bamford and coach Joe Harasymiak, while encouraging others to contribute.

State of Play
  • UMass hosts Ball State at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
  • The teams last met as MAC opponents in 2015; UMass rejoined the conference before the 2025 season.
  • The Minutemen close the regular season at Bowling Green on Nov. 28.
What's Next

After Ball State, UMass visits Toledo on Nov. 11 and hosts Akron on Nov. 18, then finishes the regular season at Bowling Green.

Bottom Line

UMass is pairing a high-profile conference stretch with a significant boost to its football resources. The Ball State game is the immediate test; turning investment and momentum into lasting results is the larger challenge.