University of Massachusets Athletics
2026 MAC Football Kickoff Set For Wednesday, July 22
July 17, 2026 | Football
The annual event with take place at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
AMHERST, Mass. – Massachusetts football will take part in the 2026 Mid-American Conference Football Kickoff on Wednesday, July 22, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
The annual event marks the official start of the 2026 MAC football season and the conference's 80th year of competition. UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak, along with quarterback William "Pop" Watson III and linebacker Tyler Martin will join the league's 12 other football programs for the conference's annual media day.
MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher will open the event with his annual address to the media at 11 a.m. ET. Head coaches and student-athletes from each institution will be available for interviews throughout the day. The event will be covered by ESPN+ from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 2026 season kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 29, while the MAC Football Championship Game will return to Ford Field on Saturday, Dec. 5, at noon ET. The championship game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
The Minutemen open the season at Rutgers on Thursday, September 3 and then play host to Sacred Heart on Saturday, September 12 in their home opener. Click here for additional ticket information.
2026 Home Schedule & Promotional Themes
Saturday, September 12 vs. Sacred Heart
Matthew Bullock Day | Youth Day | Education Day
Saturday, September 19 vs. Stonehill
Hall of Fame Game | Hispanic Heritage Month
Saturday, October 3 vs. Eastern Michigan
Family Weekend | Band Day | Breast Cancer Awareness
Saturday, October 10 vs. Miami (OH)
Homecoming | Mental Health Awareness
Wednesday, November 4 vs. Ball State
MACtion | Salute to Service | Faculty & Staff Appreciation
Wednesday, November 18 vs. Akron
MACtion | Senior Night | Fan Appreciation
-- UMassAthletics.com --
