Updated September 2, 2026
The MAC holds a special place in the hearts of college football fans. From mid-week MACtion games to alumni that have made huge impacts in the NFL, this league is a hidden gem in the college football landscape. Here, we break down the MAC championship futures markets and predict who the next champion of this conference will be.
This year's MAC championship favorites are the Miami (OH) RedHawks. The RedHawks have made it to the MAC title game in three consecutive seasons, which is all the more impressive when you consider how hard it is to maintain continuity in the age of the transfer portal. That has earned them respect at Polymarket and other prediction markets.
Defense has been the strength of Miami (OH) in recent seasons, but the question is whether or not their offense can step up on the big stage. Miami (OH) has lost two straight MAC title games, scoring a total of 16 points in those two games. They will have to find a way to score more consistently against the best their conference has to offer if they want to get back on top of the MAC.
Western Michigan was the team that defeated Miami (OH) in last year's conference title game. The Broncos went 7-1 in the MAC last season, finishing the regular season in sole possession of first place. That helped them to avoid what ended up being a three-way tie for second place, and eventually helped them claim a conference title.
Dual-threat quarterback Broc Lowry will be the key to the Broncos' success this year. He had 14 rushing touchdowns and 9 passing touchdowns a season ago and defenses in the MAC will have to find a way to stop all of the different ways that Lowry can hurt them in 2026 to prevent a Broncos repeat.
Toledo missed out on last year's MAC title game due to a tiebreaker, as they went 6-2 in conference play and landed behind Miami (OH) in the tiebreakers. They are expected to be in contention for the league championship again this year, in another MAC title race that is expected to be decided by razor-thin margins.
The other Michigan directional schools are also in MAC title contention this year. Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan are expected to be among the schools that can give the above institutions a run for their money. And don't overlook the Ohio Bobcats, who won the MAC in 2024 and have proven that they can win in multiple ways.
Western Michigan is our pick to win the MAC at this point in time. Lowry is a tricky quarterback to prepare for, as he is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. Expect the Broncos to be in contention to make the MAC title game until the final day of the regular season, as their current price to win the conference is too good a value to pass up.
