A packed opening stretch
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has rolled out its 2026 football schedule, unveiling kickoff times, television partners and a handful of early MACtion contests that will set the tone for the season.
Kent State opens its campaign on September 5 with a road test at South Carolina, a game that will air at 12:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. The matchup marks the Golden Flashes' first step toward a seven‑game slate that also includes a home clash with Wofford on September 12, broadcast at noon ET on ESPN+, and a trip to Columbus to meet Ohio State on September 19, slated for a noon ET start on FOX.
The early slate continues with a late‑night showdown at Sacramento State on October 30, scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, followed by three midweek MACtion contests in November on the 10th, 17th and 24th, each designed to showcase the conference’s growing tradition of weekday prime‑time games.
Broadcast partners and timing
Conference officials emphasized that the television designations reflect a strategic partnership with a mix of legacy networks and streaming services, ensuring that fans can follow the action across multiple platforms.
The championship game is set for December 5 at noon ET on ESPN, taking place at Ford Field in Detroit, providing a marquee conclusion to the season and a final opportunity for teams to stake their claim on the MAC crown.
With the schedule now public, attention turns to how the teams will navigate the early challenges and how the broadcast partners will present the games to a national audience.