​Photo by: Becca MahonThe MAC enters the 2026 season with plenty of teams capable of making a run at the conference title. Western Michigan returns as the defending champion, while Miami, Toledo, Ohio and Central Michigan headline a strong group of challengers.With new coaches, transfer additions and Sacramento State joining the conference for football, there are plenty of unknowns heading into the year.Here are my 2026 MAC Football Preseason Power Rankings.1. Western MichiganThe defending MAC champions deserve the top spot entering 2026. Western Michigan returns quarterback Broc Lowry and has established itself as the team everyone else in the conference is chasing.The Broncos received nine first-place votes in the MAC preseason coaches poll, making them the clear favorite to repeat.Outlook: MAC Championship Favorite2. Miami (Ohio)Miami has reached three straight MAC Championship Games and remains one of the safest bets in the conference under Chuck Martin.There are some important pieces to replace, but the RedHawks have earned the benefit of the doubt until someone knocks them out of the championship race.Outlook: MAC Championship Contender3. ToledoToledo begins a new era with Mike Jacobs replacing Jason Candle. Jacobs went 20-6 with two conference championships at Mercer and has already added plenty of talent through the transfer portal.There could be some early growing pains, but Toledo has enough talent to win the MAC in Jacobs’ first season.Outlook: MAC Championship Contender4. OhioOhio has won 40 games over the past four seasons, making the Bobcats one of the MAC’s most consistent programs.A coaching change brings some uncertainty, but Ohio has proven it can reload and remain competitive year after year.Outlook: Championship Dark Horse5. Central MichiganCentral Michigan took a big step forward under Matt Drinkall in 2025, reaching a bowl game and posting its first winning season in four years.If the Chippewas continue that progress in Year 2, they could become a serious threat to the MAC’s top teams.Outlook: Dark Horse6. BuffaloBuffalo enters 2026 right in the middle of the MAC picture.The Bulls have enough talent to push for a bowl game and potentially climb higher, but they’ll need more consistency before being considered a true championship contender.Outlook: Bowl Contender7. Eastern MichiganChris Creighton continues to keep Eastern Michigan competitive regardless of roster turnover.The Eagles may not have the talent of the teams at the top, but they’re rarely an easy opponent and should once again fight for bowl eligibility.Outlook: Bowl Bubble8. Kent StateKent State enters 2026 looking to continue moving in the right direction.The Golden Flashes aren’t ready to challenge the MAC’s best teams yet, but another step forward could put them firmly into the middle of the conference.Outlook: Possible Surprise Team9. Bowling GreenBowling Green has enough talent to finish higher than ninth, but there are questions surrounding how