Kind of interesting that UMass still hasn't finalized their non-conference schedule in order to pick up a MAC schedule in 2025. FB Schedules is showing them with 6 non-conference games, so two of those will need to be canceled or rescheduled.

https://fbschedules.com/2025-umass-football-schedule /

The Big Ten and SEC have formerly announced their schedules, with both Iowa and Missouri showing UMass on their non-conference slate. UMass themselves just recently announced the game against Bryant scheduled for 9/6. One would assume the home opener against Temple on 8/30 is safe, but who knows.

Do we know if they're shifting the pods? Or does UMASS join into NIU's spot with Toledo, WMU? Trying to get them into something with Buffalo might make more sense.

They haven't said anything yet, and they didn't announce last year's conference schedule until March 5th!

Current Pods:

Akron, Buffalo Kent State
Ball State, Miami (OH), Ohio
Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Toledo
Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan

They might have to do a whole rework, but it feels like someone is going to get left out regionally or a rivalry won't be in the same pod. Definitely feels like UMass and Buffalo should be together. It almost makes more sense to have three pods instead of four.

Akron, Kent State, Buffalo, UMass
Ohio, Miami, Toledo, Bowling Green
Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Ball State

No thanks! lol

Isn't NIU in MAC football for one more year? I thought that their exit was in the 2026-27 season. Am I remembering this wrong?

That is correct. So for one year there will be 13 teams. Thanks for that.