Miami RedHawks 2026 Football Schedule Breakdown, Predictions and Prop Bets

The Miami University RedHawks enter the 2026 college football season with an opportunity to continue one of the most consistent runs in the Mid-American Conference.

Miami has reached three consecutive MAC Championship Games and was selected to finish second in the 2026 MAC preseason coaches poll. The RedHawks received 134 points, only five fewer than preseason favorite Western Michigan, and four coaches picked Miami to win the conference championship game.

The RedHawks are coming off a 7-7 season that ended with a 23-13 loss to Western Michigan in the 2025 MAC Championship Game. Despite the uneven overall record, Miami went 6-2 in conference play and again demonstrated its ability to remain in the championship race throughout November.

Miami’s 2026 schedule presents a balanced but demanding path. The RedHawks will play six home games and six road games. Their nonconference schedule features trips to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, along with home games against Holy Cross and Connecticut. Conference play includes important home matchups against Bowling Green, Buffalo and rival Ohio before concluding with consecutive road games at Kent State and preseason MAC favorite Western Michigan.

The RedHawks must also settle an important quarterback competition. Thomas Gotkowski and David McComb were alternating first-team opportunities during the opening days of fall camp, making the nonconference schedule especially important for the development of Miami’s offense.

The schedule provides Miami with a realistic path back to Detroit, but the RedHawks must survive two difficult nonconference road games, avoid upsets during the middle of the season and perform well during four consecutive Tuesday-night MAC games in November.

Miami RedHawks 2026 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time and TV

Saturday, Sept. 5 at Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 12:30 p.m., The CW Saturday,

Sept. 12 Holy Cross Yager Stadium1 p.m., ESPN+ Saturday,

Sept. 19 Cincinnati TQL Stadium, Cincinnati 3:30 p.m., ESPN+ Saturday,

Sept. 26 Connecticut Yager Stadium TBA Saturday,

Oct. 3 Bowling Green Yager Stadium TBA Saturday,

Oct. 10 at Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts TBA Saturday,

Oct. 17 Akron Yager Stadium TBA Saturday,

Oct. 24 at Central Michigan Mount Pleasant, Michigan TBA Tuesday,

Nov. 3 Buffalo Yager Stadium7 p.m., ESPN2 or ESPNU Tuesday,

Nov. 10 Ohio Yager Stadium7 p.m., ESPN2, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network Tuesday,

Nov. 17 at Kent State Kent, Ohio7 p.m., ESPN2, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network Tuesday,

Nov. 24 at Western Michigan Kalamazoo, Michigan TBA Saturday,

Dec. 5 MAC Championship Game Ford Field, Detroit Noon, ESPN

The Connecticut game will serve as Miami’s Homecoming contest, while the Akron matchup is scheduled for Family Weekend. The MAC Championship Game is listed on the official schedule but is not guaranteed; Miami must finish among the top two teams in the conference standings to qualify.

September 5: at Pittsburgh

Miami opens the season against Pittsburgh in one of its most difficult games.

The Panthers will have home-field advantage and the roster depth associated with an established power-conference program. Miami has frequently challenged larger programs under head coach Chuck Martin, but the RedHawks will need an efficient and disciplined performance to remain competitive.

The timing makes the game even more challenging. Miami may still be determining its offensive identity, particularly if the quarterback competition between Gotkowski and McComb continues deep into fall camp.

The RedHawks cannot afford to give Pittsburgh short fields through turnovers or special-teams mistakes. Miami’s best path will be controlling the tempo, creating manageable third downs and preventing the Panthers from establishing a significant early lead.

Even if Miami does not win, a competitive performance could provide valuable information about the team before the rivalry game against Cincinnati.

Difficulty level: High

September 12: Holy Cross

Miami returns to Oxford for its home opener against Holy Cross.

The RedHawks should possess significant advantages in roster depth, size and overall athleticism. This game provides Miami with an opportunity to correct mistakes from the Pittsburgh contest and continue developing its quarterback, offensive line and rotation of skill-position players.

Miami must still approach the matchup with discipline. Teams coming off an emotional road opener can struggle when facing an opponent they are expected to defeat comfortably.

The RedHawks should attempt to establish control early, create additional possessions for younger players and avoid unnecessary injuries before facing Cincinnati.

This is the most favorable game on Miami’s schedule.

Difficulty level: Low

September 19: Cincinnati at TQL Stadium

Miami and Cincinnati renew the Battle for the Victory Bell at TQL Stadium.

The September 19 meeting will be played at 3:30 p.m. and televised on ESPN+. The neutral-site setting creates a major regional showcase for one of college football’s oldest rivalries.

Miami proved it could defeat Cincinnati when the RedHawks earned a dramatic 31-24 overtime victory in 2023. Cincinnati answered with a 27-16 victory in Oxford during the 128th all-time meeting in 2024.

The Bearcats should have advantages in overall roster resources and depth, but rivalry games are rarely determined solely by recruiting rankings. Miami’s defensive discipline and ability to create turnovers could keep the RedHawks competitive.

The quarterback must remain composed against Cincinnati’s pressure and avoid forcing throws. Miami must also prevent the Bearcats from controlling the line of scrimmage and wearing down the defense during the second half.

A victory would immediately become one of the strongest Group of Five wins of the season and provide Miami with substantial momentum before conference play.

Difficulty level: Very high

September 26: Connecticut

Miami concludes nonconference play by hosting Connecticut on Homecoming weekend.

The matchup should be one of the most competitive games on the schedule. Connecticut is capable of matching Miami physically and will not enter Yager Stadium intimidated by the environment.

Miami should benefit from playing at home after facing Pittsburgh and Cincinnati on the road. The RedHawks will also have completed three games, providing the coaching staff with enough information to establish a clearer rotation.

This game could have significant postseason implications. A victory would improve Miami’s chances of reaching bowl eligibility before the conference schedule becomes more demanding.

The RedHawks must generate consistent offense and avoid relying entirely on their defense to control the game. If Miami can establish the running game, protect the quarterback and win the turnover battle, it should have a realistic opportunity to finish nonconference play with a victory.

Difficulty level: Moderate

October 3: Bowling Green

Miami begins MAC play at home against Bowling Green.

The RedHawks hold a 48-25-5 advantage in the all-time series and won the most recent meeting 28-12 in 2024.

Bowling Green has enough experience and defensive ability to make this a difficult conference opener. The Falcons are familiar with Miami’s personnel and coaching tendencies, eliminating many of the advantages the RedHawks may possess against unfamiliar nonconference opponents.

Miami must avoid an emotional decline after completing a demanding September. Conference games carry greater importance because a loss could immediately affect the race for one of the two places in the MAC Championship Game.

The RedHawks will have home-field advantage and should possess the stronger overall roster. However, Bowling Green can make the game uncomfortable by controlling possession and forcing Miami to execute on long drives.

Difficulty level: Moderate

October 10: at Massachusetts

Miami’s first MAC road game comes against Massachusetts in Amherst.

UMass was picked last in the 2026 MAC preseason coaches poll, making this a game Miami will be expected to win. The Minutemen received 25 points in the poll, while Miami was selected second with 134.

The long trip creates some difficulty, but Miami should have advantages in experience, defensive organization and recent success within the conference.

The RedHawks cannot allow the difference in preseason expectations to create complacency. UMass will view a home victory over Miami as an opportunity to establish credibility in its second season back in the MAC.

Miami must control the line of scrimmage, avoid turnovers and prevent the Minutemen from creating confidence early. A championship contender should handle this type of road assignment.

Difficulty level: Low to moderate

October 17: Akron

Miami returns to Yager Stadium to face Akron during Family Weekend.

The Zips finished 10th in the conference preseason coaches poll, while Miami received four votes to win the MAC Championship Game.

Miami should be favored, but Akron has enough athleticism to become dangerous if the RedHawks play carelessly. Turnovers, penalties and special-teams breakdowns could keep the Zips competitive longer than expected.

The game falls between a road trip to Massachusetts and another road assignment at Central Michigan. Miami must remain focused rather than looking ahead to what should be a more difficult matchup in Mount Pleasant.

A decisive victory would place the RedHawks in a strong position entering the second half of conference play.

Difficulty level: Low

October 24: at Central Michigan

The trip to Central Michigan is one of Miami’s most important swing games.

Central Michigan was picked fifth in the preseason coaches poll and should possess enough physicality to challenge Miami for four quarters.

Mount Pleasant can be a difficult place to play, particularly late in October when weather and field conditions may become factors. The Chippewas will attempt to establish their running game, control possession and test Miami’s defensive front.

The timing is also important. Miami will receive 10 days before beginning its Tuesday-night November schedule, but it cannot begin looking ahead to the additional preparation time.

A victory would give Miami valuable momentum before hosting Buffalo and Ohio. A loss could increase the pressure on the RedHawks during the most important portion of the season.

This game could determine whether Miami enters November controlling its path to Detroit or needing assistance elsewhere in the conference.

Difficulty level: High

November 3: Buffalo

Miami begins its four-game MACtion schedule by hosting Buffalo on Tuesday night.

The RedHawks will have 10 days between the Central Michigan and Buffalo games, providing valuable recovery and preparation time. Buffalo will also have additional time to prepare, preventing Miami from holding a major scheduling advantage.

The Bulls were selected sixth in the conference preseason poll and should be capable of competing for a bowl appearance.

Buffalo’s physical style could challenge Miami’s offense. The RedHawks must remain patient and avoid forcing explosive plays if the Bulls successfully limit the running game.

Playing at home is important. Miami has only two November home games, and both could have direct championship implications.

The RedHawks should be favored, but this is not a game they can take for granted.

Difficulty level: Moderate

November 10: Ohio

The Battle of the Bricks could be Miami’s most important home game of the season.

Miami and Ohio have played annually since 1945, except for the pandemic-altered 2020 season. Miami leads the all-time football series 56-44-2, but Ohio earned a dramatic 24-20 victory in the most recent meeting.

The rivalry has become even more significant because both programs have consistently competed near the top of the MAC. Miami and Ohio met in the 2024 MAC Championship Game, with the Bobcats earning a 38-3 victory.

Ohio was selected fourth in the 2026 preseason coaches poll, only two positions behind Miami.

The Tuesday-night atmosphere at Yager Stadium should provide Miami with an important advantage. The RedHawks must contain Ohio’s running game, create pressure on passing downs and prevent the Bobcats from controlling possession.

A victory could provide Miami with a crucial tiebreaker in the race to reach Detroit. A loss could force the RedHawks to win their final two road games.

Difficulty level: High

November 17: at Kent State

Miami begins a season-ending two-game road trip at Kent State.

The Golden Flashes were selected eighth in the preseason coaches poll. They may not enter the season with the same championship expectations as Miami, but the RedHawks cannot treat the matchup as an automatic victory.

Kent State will have the opportunity to damage a rival’s championship hopes in its final home game. Playing on a Tuesday night can also create unpredictable conditions, including cold weather and a smaller but potentially energetic crowd.

Miami should possess the stronger defense and more experienced overall program. The RedHawks must establish control early and avoid allowing Kent State to remain within one possession entering the fourth quarter.

This is a game a MAC championship contender must win.

Difficulty level: Low to moderate

November 24: at Western Michigan

Miami closes the regular season against preseason MAC favorite Western Michigan.

The Broncos received 139 points in the coaches poll, five more than Miami. Western Michigan also defeated the RedHawks 23-13 in the 2025 MAC Championship Game.

The matchup could determine which team advances to Detroit. It may also become a preview of the MAC Championship Game if both programs have already secured the conference’s top two positions.

Playing in Kalamazoo during the final week of November creates additional concerns. Cold temperatures, wind and potentially difficult field conditions could place greater importance on defense, special teams and the running game.

Miami must protect the football and remain disciplined against a team capable of matching its physical style. The RedHawks cannot allow the result of the 2025 championship game to create frustration or impatience.

This is Miami’s most difficult conference game and the most likely contest to determine whether the RedHawks return to Ford Field.

Difficulty level: Very high

Toughest Game: Cincinnati

The Battle for the Victory Bell represents Miami’s most difficult overall matchup.

Cincinnati has the resources and roster depth of a power-conference program, while the game will be played in the Bearcats’ home city at TQL Stadium. The neutral-site designation does not eliminate Cincinnati’s geographic advantage.

Miami has already demonstrated that it can win this rivalry under Martin. The RedHawks’ 2023 overtime victory showed that disciplined defense, special-teams execution and timely offense can overcome a talent disadvantage.

A victory would provide Miami with credibility beyond the MAC and could become one of the program’s most important wins of the season.

Toughest Conference Game: at Western Michigan

Western Michigan is the preseason conference favorite and defeated Miami in the previous MAC Championship Game.

The November 24 matchup will be played in Kalamazoo and could carry direct championship implications. Miami will also be playing its second consecutive road game and fourth consecutive Tuesday-night contest.

The RedHawks must handle the physical and emotional demands of the November schedule before facing their strongest conference opponent.

Biggest Trap Game: at Central Michigan

Central Michigan sits between home games against Akron and Buffalo.

The Chippewas were selected fifth in the conference poll and should be capable of challenging the top teams in the MAC. Miami may also be tempted to begin looking toward the national television opportunities and championship implications of the November schedule.

The RedHawks must treat the trip to Mount Pleasant like a potential elimination game. A loss could leave them with little margin for error against Ohio and Western Michigan.

Most Important Stretch

Miami’s season will likely be determined during its final five conference games:

• October 24: at Central Michigan
• November 3: Buffalo
• November 10: Ohio
• November 17: at Kent State
• November 24: at Western Michigan

The RedHawks will play three of those five games on the road. The stretch includes the preseason conference favorite, the fourth- and fifth-ranked teams in the coaches poll and a Buffalo team expected to compete in the middle of the conference standings.

Miami must take advantage of its home games against Buffalo and Ohio. Finishing the season with road trips to Kent State and Western Michigan could make qualifying for the MAC Championship Game difficult if the RedHawks have already suffered two conference losses.

Schedule Advantages

Miami’s conference schedule begins favorably.

The RedHawks host Bowling Green and Akron while traveling to UMass during their first three MAC games. Miami should be favored in each of those matchups and has a realistic opportunity to begin conference play 3-0.

The RedHawks also host Ohio rather than traveling to Athens. The Battle of the Bricks could become a direct elimination game in the championship race, making the home-field advantage particularly valuable.

Miami receives 10 days between Central Michigan and Buffalo before beginning its four-game Tuesday schedule. That break should provide time for recovery and allow the coaching staff to evaluate the team before the championship race enters its final month.

Schedule Concerns

Miami does not have a traditional bye week.

The RedHawks will play on eight consecutive Saturdays from September 5 through October 24. They then receive 10 days before beginning four consecutive Tuesday-night games.

The nonconference schedule is also challenging. Miami must play Pittsburgh and Cincinnati away from Oxford while hosting a Connecticut team capable of creating a competitive four-quarter game.

The final two games will be played on the road, including the regular-season finale against preseason favorite Western Michigan. Miami may need to win in Kalamazoo to qualify for a fourth consecutive MAC Championship Game.

Miami 2026 Schedule Grade: B

Miami’s schedule provides enough challenging opponents to test the RedHawks without making another successful season unrealistic.

The trips to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati give Miami two opportunities to earn important nonconference victories. The RedHawks also receive manageable games against Holy Cross, UMass and Akron.

The conference schedule becomes more difficult late in the season. Miami must face Central Michigan, Ohio and Western Michigan during the final five games, with two of those matchups played on the road.

The absence of a traditional bye and the season-ending trip to Western Michigan prevent the schedule from receiving a higher grade.

Miami 2026 Record Prediction: 8-4

Miami should again compete for one of the top two positions in the MAC standings.

The RedHawks will likely be underdogs against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Connecticut should be competitive, while Holy Cross provides Miami with its most favorable nonconference matchup.

Within the MAC, Miami should be favored against UMass, Akron, Buffalo and Kent State. Bowling Green is manageable at home, while Central Michigan, Ohio and Western Michigan represent the most significant conference challenges.

An 8-4 regular season with a 6-2 conference record is the most reasonable projection. That would place Miami in serious contention to reach a fourth consecutive MAC Championship Game.

Miami could reach nine or 10 victories if its quarterback play develops quickly and the RedHawks split their games against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. However, road games against Central Michigan and Western Michigan make an undefeated conference season unlikely.

Miami 2026 Season Prop Bets

The following selections are projected betting angles based primarily on Miami’s schedule and preseason expectations. Sportsbooks may offer different totals, odds and market rules closer to the season.

Prop Bet #1: Miami Over 7.5 Regular-Season Wins

Miami has won enough games to reach three consecutive conference championship games and again enters the season as one of the MAC favorites.

The RedHawks have several favorable matchups. Holy Cross, UMass, Akron and Kent State should provide four strong opportunities for victories. Miami will also be competitive against Connecticut, Bowling Green, Buffalo and Ohio.

Reaching eight wins would likely require Miami to avoid a major conference upset and win at least one of its swing games against Connecticut, Central Michigan or Ohio.

The difficult road games against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Western Michigan limit Miami’s ceiling, but the RedHawks have a realistic path to eight or nine regular-season victories.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Miami Over 7.5 Regular-Season Wins

• Three Straight MAC Title Appearances
• Favorable Early Conference Slate
• Projected Eight-Win Floor

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Prop Bet #2: Miami to Make the MAC Championship Game

Miami has reached Ford Field in three consecutive seasons and was selected second in the 2026 preseason coaches poll.

The RedHawks’ schedule provides a realistic path to six conference victories. They host Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo and Ohio while traveling to UMass and Kent State.

Central Michigan and Western Michigan are the most dangerous conference road games. Miami can lose one of those contests and still remain in the championship race by protecting its home field.

The combination of program stability, defensive experience and recent championship success makes another trip to Detroit a strong futures consideration.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Miami to Make the MAC Championship Game

• Three Consecutive Appearances
• Picked Second in MAC
• Manageable Six-Win Path

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Prop Bet #3: Miami to Win the MAC Championship

Western Michigan enters the season as the conference favorite, but Miami finished only five points behind the Broncos in the preseason coaches poll. Four coaches also selected the RedHawks to win the championship game.

Miami’s experience in close conference games should become valuable during November. The RedHawks understand the level of consistency required to reach Detroit and will be motivated after losing the previous two MAC Championship Games.

The quarterback competition creates uncertainty, but Miami’s defensive structure and program stability should keep the RedHawks competitive while the offense develops.

Miami may provide better futures value than Western Michigan because the Broncos enter the season as the consensus favorite.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Miami to Win the MAC Championship

• Experienced Championship Program
• Strong Defensive Identity
• Value Behind Western Michigan

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Prop Bet #4: Miami to Defeat Ohio

The November 10 Battle of the Bricks could become one of the most important MAC games of the season.

Ohio won the 2025 meeting 24-20, but the 2026 matchup will be played at Yager Stadium. Miami owns a 33-16-2 home record in the all-time football series against the Bobcats.

The RedHawks will also have seven days between the Buffalo and Ohio games, allowing for a normal preparation period despite the Tuesday-night schedule.

Miami’s defense and home-field advantage should give it an opportunity to avenge the previous season’s defeat and gain a potentially decisive conference tiebreaker.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Miami to Defeat Ohio

• Battle of the Bricks at Home
• Strong Home Series Record
• Championship Tiebreaker Potential

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Conclusion

Miami’s 2026 schedule gives the RedHawks a realistic opportunity to remain one of the leading programs in the Mid-American Conference.

The nonconference portion will provide an immediate test. Road games against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati will challenge Miami’s depth, quarterback play and ability to compete with programs possessing greater resources. Holy Cross should provide a favorable home opener, while Connecticut represents an important swing game.

The conference schedule begins with manageable matchups against Bowling Green, UMass and Akron. Miami must take advantage of that opening because the final five games include Central Michigan, Ohio and Western Michigan.

The championship race may ultimately be decided during the final two weeks. Miami travels to Kent State before closing the season against Western Michigan in a potential championship elimination game.

Miami’s quarterback situation will play a major role in determining the team’s ceiling. If Gotkowski or McComb provides consistent production while protecting the football, the RedHawks should possess enough defensive ability and program stability to win at least eight games.

An 8-4 regular season, a 6-2 MAC record and a fourth consecutive appearance in the conference championship game are realistic expectations.

Miami has already established itself as one of the MAC’s most dependable programs. The challenge in 2026 will be turning another successful regular season into the conference championship that has narrowly escaped the RedHawks during their last two trips to Detroit.