UMass enters 2024 with 2025 plans to return to the MAC. The move should be embraced by UMass fans, as the MAC is an entertaining yet manageable Group of Five conference.
While UMass struggled in the MAC from 2012-15 – it went 7-25 in league games – moving to a conference adds stability to the program’s football future. With conference affiliation on its way, UMass could use a few wins in 2024 to build momentum for the 2025 season.
The Minutemen haven’t posted a winning record at the FBS level, a bit of a disappointment given the school’s move up in 2011. Don’t expect a winning record in 2024, but head coach Don Brown could help the team reach those heights in the coming years, especially with MAC affiliation.
UMass Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
UMass’ win total Over/Under is 3.5, with Under 3.5 at -125 and Over 3.5 at -125.
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UMass Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs. Eastern Michigan
9/7 at Toledo
9/14 at Buffalo
9/21 vs. Central Connecticut State
9/28 at Miami (Ohio)
10/5 at Northern Illinois
10/12 vs. Missouri
10/26 vs. Wagner
11/2 at Mississippi State
11/16 vs. Liberty
11/23 at Georgia
11/30 vs. UConn
Key UMass Football Returners
QB Taisun Phommachanh
WR Anthony Simpson
LB Gerrell Johnson
UMass Football Has Tough MAC Games Ahead
While UMass isn’t in the MAC yet, the Minutemen play five of their first six games this year against MAC teams. That’s the part of the season when UMass fans should keep close tabs on the program to see its readiness for success in its new league.
Road games with Toledo and Miami (Ohio) are brutal tests, but it’s good preparation for the upcoming conference schedule. If UMass can win a game or two this year against MAC teams, it would be a nice boost for a program in desperate need of some positives.
Brown is a quality coach, and he’s won at UMass before. If the Minutemen can take a baby step forward this season – perhaps winning four or five games – there could be real optimism that a bowl game is coming in 2025.
2024 UMass Football Season Prediction
I’ll take UMass to go Over 3.5 wins this season.
The Minutemen return experience at quarterback and added former San Jose State tight end Dominick Mazotti to go with returning wide receiver Anthony Simpson. Add in another few intriguing transfers such as former Miami wide receiver Frank Ladson Jr., and I’m optimistic about the offense’s potential.
Defensively, UMass ranked fourth-worst nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (220.8) in 2023, but transfers Tim Grant-Randall (Eastern Michigan) and Etinosa Reuben (Clemson/Georgia Tech) should help the defensive line tremendously. Depth remains a concern across much of the roster, including the defensive front, but the starting unit is becoming increasingly respectable.
Having a pair of FCS games also makes me like the Over 3.5 wins, as games with Central Connecticut State and Wagner should be victories. The three SEC matchups are all but guaranteed defeats, but games with Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Northern Illinois, and UConn should be competitive.
I like UMass to take a small step forward in 2024.
