MAC Football Team Win Totals and Predictions for 2026

Similar to other Group of 6 conferences, the MAC experienced its share of changes for the 2026 college football season. Northern Illinois departed to the Mountain West, with Sacramento State joining to become the MAC’s 13th member. Two of the conference’s top programs, Ohio and Toledo, changed head coaches. Additionally, the league saw plenty of roster attrition and departures to the transfer portal.

Western Michigan is the reigning MAC champion, but the Broncos are fighting against history to repeat. No MAC team has gone back-to-back since Northern Illinois won conference titles in 2011 and 2012. Coach Lance Taylor’s team is in a strong position to repeat with quarterback Broc Lowry and running back Jalen Buckley returning. However, Miami (Ohio) can lean on its defense to contend for the conference title, with Toledo and Central Michigan capable of reaching Detroit to play for the MAC Championship in December.

No team in the MAC has an over/under win total over 8.5, as Western Michigan (7.5) and Toledo (7.5) top the projections.

Athlon Sports highlights the best over/under win total bets using DraftKings odds for the MAC and predicts which side of each team’s total will hit in 2026.

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MAC Over/Under Win Total Picks

Akron (4.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Over

• Related: Think You Can Dial Up an Opening Touchdown Drive for Akron? It’s Been a While.

Ball State (3.5)

Lassan: Under
Wood: Under

Bowling Green (4.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Over

Buffalo (6.5)

Lassan: Under
Wood: Under

Central Michigan (6.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Under

Eastern Michigan (5.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Under

Kent State (3.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Over

Miami (Ohio) (6.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Over

Ohio (6.5)

Lassan: Under
Wood: Over

Sacramento State (4.5)

Lassan: Under
Wood: Under

• Related: Sacramento State Went All-In on FBS — Now, It’s in the ‘Club’

Toledo (7.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Over

UMass (2.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Over

• Related: What Happens After You Go 0-12? UMass Coach Joe Harasymiak is About to Find Out

Western Michigan (7.5)

Lassan: Over
Wood: Over

Best MAC Over/Under Bets for 2026

Miami (Ohio) (Over 6.5)
In Chuck Martin I trust. The RedHawks are 20-4 in MAC play over the last three seasons and have assembled one of the conference’s top defenses once again to chase another trip to the title game. Expect the offense to be a work in progress under new coordinator Gus Ragland. Games versus Pitt and Cincinnati in non-conference play limit the win total upside. However, outside of a road trip to Western Michigan on Nov. 24, Miami should be favored in all seven of its other MAC contests.-Steven Lassan

Ball State (Under 3.5)
The Cardinals improved to four wins last season in Mike Uremovich’s debut, but they could be due for regression after going 3-1 in one-score games. Ball State has two tough road games against Big Ten foes. And even some of its more winnable MAC games (UMass, Kent State, Bowling Green) are on the road. -Kyle Wood

Bowling Green (Over 4.5)
After a late arrival to Bowling Green last year, coach Eddie George should benefit from having a full offseason to develop this program. George landed one of the MAC’s top transfers in quarterback Austin Novosad (Oregon) to team with rising star running back Austyn Dendy, a pairing that should jumpstart an offense that managed only 20.5 points a game last year. The return of linebacker Dorian Pringle from a season-ending injury is also a major boost to the defense. The schedule breaks in George’s favor, too. Bowling Green plays the projected top two teams in the conference (Miami and Western Michigan) but catches Sacramento State, Ball State, Kent State and UMass at home. Road trips to Buffalo and Toledo are also winnable.-Lassan

Toledo (Over 7.5)
The Rockets were among the most stable programs in the MAC for a decade under Jason Candle, who left for UConn this offseason. But don’t expect a major falloff with Mike Jacobs taking over. He has Midwest roots and a proven track record at the FCS level. Plus, he brought plenty of players with him from Mercer to help navigate a manageable schedule. -Wood

Sacramento State (Under 4.5)
I’m surprised to see the Hornets’ win total sitting at 4.5. The program is breaking in a new coach (Alonzo Carter), transitioning to the FBS level, and also navigating a major roster overhaul with just three starters back. The return of quarterback Carson Conklin after a season at Fresno State is a huge boost to the offense, and linebacker Derek Houston and end Xavier Williams should push for All-MAC honors this fall. However, even if Carter’s team beats Mississippi Valley State and UMass, I’m having a hard time finding three more victories for this team to hit the over.-Lassan

UMass (Over 2.5)
Okay, hear me out on this one. The Minutemen are not going to be good. But the roster improvements they made in the offseason will make them much more competitive than they were a season ago. There are two FCS teams on the schedule that should be wins — though UMass lost to one in 2025 — and Sacramento State, Ball State and Akron present possible opportunities for a third victory. -Wood

College Football Conference Betting Predictions

Athlon Sports picks over/unders and best bets for 2026:

• Pac-12
• Big Ten
• SEC
• Big 12
• ACC
• Conference USA
• Mountain West
• Sun Belt
• American Conference