UMass Minutemen: A Potential 2026 Upsurge

"Let’s kick things off with the number 136 ranked Division I football team according to CBS

Sports — the UMass Minutemen. UMass wrapped up the season 0–12, playing the 97th-ranked

strength of schedule. In conference play, they finished 0–8, scoring just 84 points while giving

up 305. Overall, the Minutemen surrendered 463 points and put up only 133 across

12 games. They compete in the MAC and are led by head coach Joe Harasymiak.

But here’s why I think UMass is a team that could be on the rise in 2026.

Their schedule features two games that I see as winnable opportunities. First,

on September 12th, they take on Sacred Heart — an FCS program. Second, they face UConn,