Image via Eastern Michigan Athletics
Announced today, the Mid-American Conference will follow the order of the Power conferences by switching to a 9-game scheduling model by 2028.
In two seasons, every team will reduce its non-conference schedules from four games to three.
Below is the MAC’s press release:
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference announced today 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.
As things immediately pertain to Eastern Michigan, the school must do something about its 2028 and 2030 schedules
The non-conference schedule for 2028 schedule currently has four games listed: home to Long Island, at Indiana, at Cincinnati, and home to Marshall (though, there’s an agreement in place that could move this game to 2032 if Marshall can find a replacement opponent by March 2027).
The 2030 non-conference schedule also features four games for EMU: vs. Mercyhurst, at Michigan, vs. Coastal Carolina, and at Army.
