NOTEBOOK

UMass returning to MAC -- in all sports this time

By MIKE SMITH
Multiple media outlets, including Bleacher Report, are reporting UMass will be joining the Mid-American Conference as a full member (all sports) beginning in 2025-26. 

The Minutemen were football-only members from 2012-1015 and won three games in their final season. Two were against MAC competition. 

When UMass -- a founding member of the A-10 --  declined bringing in all of its sports to MAC membership, the football program lost its membership and became an independent. 

As one of only . . .

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. . . four FBS Division I independents (Army, Notre Dame, UConn, UMass), scheduling can be a challenge. However, the Minutemen have also struggled on the field. They have registered 16 total wins over eight seasons since leaving the MAC. Their three wins in 2023 were two more than in any season since 2018 (4 wins).

UMass plays its home football games on campus at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000) in Hadley, Massachusetts. 

As for basketball, UMass has been playing in the A-10. With an 8-7 conference mark (17-10 overall) it is currently tied for fifth place in the 15-team league. Richmond and Loyola Chicago top the loop with 11-10 marks. No. 21 Dayton is at 11-3. 

Will this be the only MAC addition. It's hard to say in this crazy era. However, the MAC has been one of the more stable conferences and its interest in the Minutemen/market goes back a way.  Until something else happens, the MAC is looking at a 13-team loop.