Eastern Michigan leads the MAC standings at 2-0 in conference play after early wins, positioning the Eagles as frontrunners for one of the two spots in the December 5 championship game at Ford Field. Toledo, Central Michigan, Ohio, Western Michigan, and Bowling Green sit at 1-0, while UMass stands at 1-1 with a strong 4-1 overall mark. The absence of divisions means the top two conference records advance, making every remaining MAC matchup critical amid a schedule that includes midweek MACtion games in November. Newcomer Sacramento State and the departure of Northern Illinois add uncertainty to the race, with team strength, injury reports, and head-to-head results likely shaping final positioning as the season progresses.