MAC Officially Announces UMass Addition

On Thursday, the Mid-American Conference made UMass joining the MAC official.

 "Today marks a historic moment for the Mid-American Conference as we proudly welcome the University of Massachusetts into our family,” said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher in the league's press release.

RELATED: Atlantic 10 Commissioner Comments on UMass MAC Move

UMass marks the 13th football team in the MAC. They will be a full member in all MAC sponsored sports.

The Minutemen are no strangers to the MAC conference as they were a part of it from 2012-2015, where they had an unsuccessful run going 8-40 in that time. 

Although UMass won't become an official member until the 2025-2026 season, they will be facing off against what will soon be conference rivals in Eastern Michigan, Toledo, Buffalo and Miami (OH) in 2024.

Geographically, UMass now joins Buffalo as one of the most northeast teams in the conference. 

“The addition of UMass expands our geographic footprint into the Northeast, which is a very attractive market, and it will strengthen our league for many years to come,” said Geoffrey S. Mearns, Council of Presidents Chair and President of Ball State University. “With an outstanding academic reputation and an excellent record of athletic success, UMass aligns fully with the MAC’s mission and our core values.”

Last season, the Minutemen football program went 3-9 and against MAC opponents  went 0-3. UMass will have a season to bounce back and prepare to join what continues to one of the stronger conferences in the Group of Five space.