UMass to Rejoin Mid-American Conference in 2025

The move marks UMass's return to the MAC as a full member for all sports, leaving Notre Dame and UConn as the last independent FBS football programs.

UMass will become a full member of the Mid-American Conference starting in the 2025-26 academic year, rejoining after a period of independence.
The decision leaves Notre Dame and UConn as the only remaining independent FBS football teams, with potential future conference affiliations for both still open.
UMass's football team struggled during its previous stint in the MAC, failing to produce a winning season, but the men's basketball team achieved its best season this century in 2014.
Conference USA had approached UMass about joining, but with UMass's move to the MAC, CUSA is still seeking a 12th member.
UMass's decision to join the MAC was influenced by its previous reluctance to leave the Atlantic 10, where it was a founding member, and the lack of MAC offering for ice hockey.