Eastern Michigan Athletics
MAC to Move to Nine-Game Conference Football Schedule Beginning in 2028
9/15/2026 10:02:00 AM | Football
The MAC will maintain its current eight-game Conference schedule through the 2027 season
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference announced today, Sept. 15, that it will move to a nine-game conference football schedule beginning with the 2028 season, providing each member institution with an additional Conference matchup while preserving opportunities for non-conference competition.
The decision was approved by the MAC Council of Directors of Athletics as conference scheduling models continue to evolve across the college football landscape.
"College football continues to change, and our responsibility is to make thoughtful decisions that position the Mid-American Conference and our institutions for long-term success," said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher. "Moving to a nine-game Conference schedule provides greater Conference exposure for our programs while maintaining flexibility for meaningful non-conference competition."
"Just as importantly, this decision allows us to continue building a schedule that serves our student-athletes, our institutions, and our fans. The MAC has always valued competition, rivalry, and opportunity, and this next step reflects those priorities."
Beginning in 2028, each MAC football program will play nine Conference games and three non-conference contests during the regular season. The additional conference game will increase the number of Conference matchups available to fans and television audiences while providing another opportunity for institutions to compete against MAC opponents.
The Conference will continue working with its membership to develop the nine-game scheduling model, including future opponent rotations and considerations related to competitive balance, geographic rivalries, travel, and home-game opportunities. The move will also provide additional Conference football inventory as the MAC continues to strengthen its national television and media relationships.
"Throughout our history, the MAC has demonstrated the ability to adapt thoughtfully while preserving the traditions and rivalries that define our Conference," Steinbrecher added. "This move is consistent with that approach and represents another step in strengthening the student-athlete and institutional experience across the league."
The MAC will maintain its current eight-game Conference schedule through the 2027 season, with the nine-game model taking effect in 2028. Additional details regarding future MAC football schedules, including conference opponents and scheduling rotations, will be announced at a later date.
About the Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I FBS conference comprised of 12 full member institutions. Founded in 1946, the MAC is one of the nation's oldest collegiate conferences and sponsors championship competition in 23 sports. The Conference is committed to creating transformational opportunities to develop leaders of character to strengthen its member institutions and the communities it serves.
The decision was approved by the MAC Council of Directors of Athletics as conference scheduling models continue to evolve across the college football landscape.
"College football continues to change, and our responsibility is to make thoughtful decisions that position the Mid-American Conference and our institutions for long-term success," said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher. "Moving to a nine-game Conference schedule provides greater Conference exposure for our programs while maintaining flexibility for meaningful non-conference competition."
"Just as importantly, this decision allows us to continue building a schedule that serves our student-athletes, our institutions, and our fans. The MAC has always valued competition, rivalry, and opportunity, and this next step reflects those priorities."
Beginning in 2028, each MAC football program will play nine Conference games and three non-conference contests during the regular season. The additional conference game will increase the number of Conference matchups available to fans and television audiences while providing another opportunity for institutions to compete against MAC opponents.
The Conference will continue working with its membership to develop the nine-game scheduling model, including future opponent rotations and considerations related to competitive balance, geographic rivalries, travel, and home-game opportunities. The move will also provide additional Conference football inventory as the MAC continues to strengthen its national television and media relationships.
"Throughout our history, the MAC has demonstrated the ability to adapt thoughtfully while preserving the traditions and rivalries that define our Conference," Steinbrecher added. "This move is consistent with that approach and represents another step in strengthening the student-athlete and institutional experience across the league."
The MAC will maintain its current eight-game Conference schedule through the 2027 season, with the nine-game model taking effect in 2028. Additional details regarding future MAC football schedules, including conference opponents and scheduling rotations, will be announced at a later date.
About the Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I FBS conference comprised of 12 full member institutions. Founded in 1946, the MAC is one of the nation's oldest collegiate conferences and sponsors championship competition in 23 sports. The Conference is committed to creating transformational opportunities to develop leaders of character to strengthen its member institutions and the communities it serves.
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