Toledo soared to the top spot of the MAC football power rankings following a fourth straight win in Week 5.
The 2026 college football campaign is in full swing, and several MAC programs picked up marquee wins this weekend!
From last-second finishes to stunning upsets, check out the 2026 MAC football power rankings following Week 5.
1. Toledo Rockets (4-1, 1-0)
Toledo soared to the top of the MAC power rankings following a 39-24 win at Ball State to improve to 4-1 and 1-0 in MAC play.
The Rockets currently lead the conference with 42.4 points and 485.0 yards per game, and 26 touchdowns scored.
Next: Buffalo (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
2. Western Michigan Broncos (3-2, 1-0)
Western Michigan bounced back from a loss last week with a last-second 20-17 win at Buffalo. The Bulls went for a game-winning touchdown on the final play, but the Broncos came up with a clutch defensive stop to move to 3-2 and 1-0 in the MAC.
Next: Kent State (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
3. Ohio Bobcats (3-2, 1-0)
Ohio failed to find a rhythm on offense, but the defense stepped up in a 13-10 win at Kent State to open MAC play with a victory.
The Bobcats allowed just 266 total yards and forced two turnovers to secure their third win in the last four games.
Next: Central Michigan (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
4. Eastern Michigan Eagles (3-3, 2-0)
Eastern Michigan picked up its biggest win of the season with a 38-14 beatdown over previously unbeaten UMass on the road.
The Eagles moved to 3-3 and 2-0 in the MAC behind quarterback Noah Kim’s 235 total yards and two touchdowns.
Next: at Akron (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
5. UMass Minutemen (4-1, 1-1)
UMass came back to Earth following an undefeated 4-0 start to the season with a 38-14 loss to Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
There’s no doubt it was a disappointing showing for the Minutemen, allowing a season-worst 38 points in the loss.
Next: Miami Ohio (October 10 at 2:00 PM)
6. Central Michigan Chippewas (3-2, 1-0)
Central Michigan opened conference play with an impressive 41-17 blowout over Akron to improve to 3-2 and 1-0 in the MAC.
The Chippewas were fueled by quarterback Angel Flores going off for 232 total yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Next: at Ohio (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
7. Buffalo Bulls (2-3, 0-1)
Buffalo came up just short in a 20-17 loss to Western Michigan, but the Bulls played well and showed they can compete with the upper echelon teams in the conference. However, Buffalo hits the road to face the MAC frontrunner Toledo this week.
Next: Toledo (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
8. Miami Ohio Redhawks (2-3, 0-1)
Miami Ohio is one of the MAC’s most talented teams, but inconsistency has plagued the Redhawks this season, and that reared its ugly head once again in a stunning 24-20 upset loss to previously winless Bowling Green at home on Saturday.
Next: at UMass (October 10 at 2:00 PM)
9. Kent State Golden Flashes (2-3, 1-1)
Kent State nearly picked up a quality win over Ohio before a scoreless fourth quarter proved costly in a 13-10 loss last weekend.
The Golden Flashes have been abysmal on offense this year, sitting second-worst in the MAC with 15.0 points per game.
Next: at Western Michigan (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
10. Bowling Green Falcons (1-4, 1-0)
Bowling Green got into the win column for the first time this year with a shocking 24-20 upset win at Miami Ohio behind fullback Leo Kemp’s game-winning touchdown in the final seconds.
The Falcons scored a season-high 24 points in the win.
Next: Sacramento State (October 10 at 12:00 PM)
11. Akron Zips (1-4, 0-1)
Akron suffered a third straight loss and didn’t look competitive in a 41-17 loss at Central Michigan.
The Zips are second-worst in the conference in both points allowed per game (33.6) and total yards allowed per game (424.4) following the loss.
Next: Eastern Michigan (October 10 at 3:30 PM)
12. Ball State Cardinals (1-4, 0-2)
Ball State put up a fight and held a 7-6 lead over Toledo early on, but the Cardinals didn’t have enough firepower as the Rockets eventually pulled away for a 39-24 win.
The Cardinals are currently last in the MAC with 37.8 points allowed per game.
Next: at Northwestern (October 10 at 12:30 PM)
13. Sacramento State Hornets (1-4, 0-2)
Sacramento State had a bye week, but dropped a spot due to Bowling Green’s first win of the season.
Now, the programs will square off as Sacramento State travels across the country to face Bowling Green with a chance to snap a losing skid.
Next: at Bowling Green (October 10 at 12:00 PM)
