MAC shifts to nine-game football schedule in 2028 for more exposure

"Moving to a nine-game Conference schedule provides greater Conference exposure for our programs while maintaining flexibility for meaningful non-conference competition," MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said. The Mid-American Conference will move to a nine-game football schedule beginning in 2028, with each team playing three nonconference games. The MAC keeps its eight-game conference schedule through the 2027 season. The MAC Council of Directors of Athletics approved the decision. Steinbrecher said college football continues to change and that the conference's responsibility is to make thoughtful decisions that position the Mid-American Conference and its institutions for long-term success. League officials said the change will provide more conference exposure and media inventory while preserving nonconference opportunities, and will set opponent rotations with competitive balance, geographic rivalries, travel, and home-game opportunities in mind. The Post reported that SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 teams already play nine intra-conference games, most ACC teams play nine, nine games are 75 percent of a 12-game season, and College Football Playoff rules guarantee a spot to the five highest-ranked conference champions. What is contested: none in the record; outlets do not dispute the core schedule facts. The story broke via the Elizabethtown News-Enterprise on Sept. 14 at 8:00 PM ET.