College football in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is about to heat up in 2025. Central Michigan is gearing up for a season that features road trips to Big Ten battlegrounds, gritty MAC showdowns, and a couple of spotlight games where under-the-radar stars might just explode.
With a chip on their shoulder and a roster packed with developing talent, the Chippewas are eyeing a redemption arc after an up-and-down 2024. This schedule? It’s part proving ground, part gauntlet—and fully entertaining.
Central Michigan 2025 Football Schedule
- Thu., Aug. 28: at San José State
- Sat., Sep. 6: at Pittsburgh
- Sat., Sep. 13: at Michigan
- Sat., Sep. 20: vs. Wagner
- Sat., Sep. 27: vs. Eastern Michigan
- Sat., Oct. 4: at Akron
- Sat., Oct. 11: BYE WEEK
- Sat., Oct. 18: at Bowling Green
- Sat., Oct. 25: vs. UMass
- Sat., Nov. 1: at Western Michigan
- Sat., Nov. 8: BYE WEEK
- Wed., Nov. 12: vs. Buffalo
- Wed., Nov. 19: at Kent State
- Sat., Nov. 29: vs. Toledo
Bold Italic signifies MAC game
The Chippewas open 2025 with a long flight to California and a tricky Thursday night clash against San Jose State. Things don’t get much easier when they have to fly-cross country again, this time back to the east coast and Pittsburgh.
We are so back! pic.twitter.com/G8yADDwcrs
— Central Michigan Football (@CMU_Football) May 27, 2025
Pitt brings that ACC heat up front, and CMU’s offensive line must be ready to punch back. Sophomore QB Trey Carrington is expected to be the starter, and this could be a defining early moment—whether he can stay upright and make throws under pressure will set the tone for the season.
A Septemeber 13 date in Ann Arbor against Michigan will be CMU’s last Power Four test before opening MAC play. Running back Nico Douglas, a powerful runner with breakaway potential, will be looking to prove he can produce against elite competition. Even if Central Michigan doesn’t win, staying competitive here could spark serious momentum.
The “Chips” will have a nice FCS breather before their first conference opponent. CMU returns to Kelly/Shorts Stadium for what should be a confidence booster against Wagner. Expect a showcase day for Carrington and wideout Kaden Vaughn, who’s drawing buzz after a strong spring. The defense might even pitch a shutout if they stay disciplined.
Sepetmeber 27’s date with Eastern Michigan will be a big one. This rivalry runs deep, and with both programs fighting for MAC relevance, it could be sneakily important for bowl positioning. Last year’s 2OT thriller left a sour taste for CMU—revenge is definitely on the menu.
Akron has been a doormat for years, but they’re improving under new leadership. This October 4 date with Akron is exactly the kind of game CMU can’t afford to slip up in. Ball security and staying ahead on early downs will be the key, especially with November looking brutal.
On October 25, CMU will take on UMass for the first time as a MAC opponent. The Minutemen are unpredictable—sometimes feisty, sometimes forgettable. At home, CMU will be expected to dominate the trenches and grind out a physical win.
On November 1, CMU will play the second leg of the Michigan MAC Trophy rivalry against Western Michigan. The Central-Western Michigan rivalry is always hostile, and CMU hasn’t forgotten the heartbreak from last year.
RELATED: Predicting Every Starting QB for All 13 MAC Teams
Things start to get weird on November 12 against Buffalo. This will be the first of a two-game streak of mid-week “MAC-tion” games. Buffalo’s ground game can make it a headache if the defense isn’t locked in, but CMU’s been tough at home, and this could be a breakout opportunity for tight end Riley Kline, a red-zone threat with serious upside.
A week later, also on a Wednesday, CMU will travel to Ohio to take on Kent State. Depth will matter here. It’s also a big chance for CMU’s secondary to step up and slow down the chaos.
Central Michigan wraps up the regular season on November 29 against Toledo, a MAC powerhouse. By this point in the year, both teams could be fighting for a title game spot. Expect fireworks, big plays, and maybe a little drama.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
