Opinion: Predicting CMU's 2025 football season

Week 1 @ San Jose State 

Henson: CMU 17, SJSU 31

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CMU starts the season on the road against San Jose State, and while the Spartans notably lost triple-crown winning wide receiver Nick Nash to the draft, the squad otherwise retains 57% of its production from last season. I see CMU finding early offensive success, as the Chippewa offense should be able to pick apart a secondary that only returns one player from last season. But, the talent that returns to SJSU will get the edge over Central Michigan.

Powell: CMU 31, SJSU 24 

The Chippewas will look to get their run game going early, in an attempt to take control of the game. While traveling to the West Coast could have an adverse affect on the team, in the end, I expect a Chippewas win from a team eager to prove themselves not only to other teams but also to their new coach.

Week 2 @ Pittsburgh

Henson: CMU 13, Pitt 41

Pittsburgh comes into the season following a disastrous six-game losing streak to end the 2024 season. Still, with quarterback Eli Holstein recovering from the injury he sustained to his leg against Clemson last season and the Panthers returning so many young players on an already-solid defense. I see it being hard for the Chippewas to find much success on either side of the ball.

Neal: CMU 17, Pitt 34 

Pitt’s offense is significantly more explosive in its passing game. CMU’s rushing advantage is slim and may not offset the quarterback-driven Pitt attack. Given the significant edge Pitt holds in both offensive and rushing defense, plus Pitt’s home-field advantage and CMU’s coaching transition, I can see Pitt taking this game early on.

Week 3 @ Michigan

Henson: CMU 3, U of M 38

Michigan enters the season riddled with question marks as a new offensive system, and more-notably a new quarterback will take the field. I see the running back tandem of Jordan Marshall and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes, as well as the defense, doing most of the heavy lifting for the maize and blue as presumed starting quarterback Bryce Underwood settles into his role in the offense. 

Powell: CMU 10, U of M 48

The Chippewas finish their season-opening gauntlet on the road against in-state foe Michigan University. The Chippewas are 0-4 in matchups against the Wolverines, and I don’t expect this time to be any different. Michigan kept its opponents to an average of just 91 rushing yards per-game last year, which I think will be a game-changer for a Central Michigan squad that will try to make its run game its identity this season. 

Week 4 vs. Wagner

Neal: CMU 31, Wagner 14

With the long-anticipated home opener four weeks into the season, the Chippewas will be hungry to secure the win. If Joe Labas and the front line can establish rhythm, expect a confident offensive display.

Powell: CMU 45, Wagner 13 

Coming off of two straight losses and with the excitement of the home crowd behind it, I expect CMU to make short work of the Seahawks. This game is important for the team to establish both a run and pass game to build off of for the rest of the season.

Week 5 vs. Eastern Michigan

Henson: CMU 20, EMU 10

Central Michigan hosts EMU to start Mid-American Conference play. With the Eagles losing a majority of their defensive production, I think the Chippewas could pull away late to start MAC play 1-0.

Powell: CMU 33, EMU 30

Last year’s matchup ended in crushing defeat for CMU, as Eastern Michigan mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback. Rivalry games are hard to predict, but I am expecting the memory of last year’s loss, coupled with home-field advantage to propel the Chippewas to a narrow win.

Week 6 @ Akron

Henson: CMU 27, Akron 3

While last year’s 4-8 record was a step in the right direction for Akron, the Zips’ momentum was killed by an offseason that saw the teams top three leading rushers and top two leading receivers transfer out. I think it will be hard for the Zips to find any momentum on offense, allowing CMUits second MAC win. 

Neal: CMU 24, Akron 20

Given both teams had comparable struggles last season, the matchup will likely come down to which squad can execute more efficiently and minimize mistakes. If the Chippewas can contain the turnover bug, I see them coming out on top.

Week 7 @ Bowling Green

Henson: CMU 17, BGSU 27

While quarterback Connor Bazelak has moved on to the National Football League, BGSU brought in sixth-year Missouri transfer Drew Pyne to lead the squad. I see these new Falcons being just a step ahead of the Chippewas offensively in what turns out to be a close game.

Powell: CMU 21, BGSU 28

Bowling Green ended last season ranked in the top five of the MAC in both offensive and defensive scoring. In last year’s rainy matchup, the Chippewas struggled to get their passing game going and finished the game with only 63 yards through the air. I think the trick for CMU will be to keep its offense from becoming one-dimensional. Expect a Falcons victory in a close game.  

Week 8 vs. Massachusetts

Neal: CMU 31, UMASS 20

Despite similar offensive production, UMass’s defensive vulnerabilities tilt the prediction toward CMU. UMass’s defense has struggled, conceding 35.5 PPG (points per game) and opening a potential scoring opportunity for CMU. Given Central’s ability to exploit defensive weaknesses in high-scoring scenarios and the Homecoming energy filling the stadium, I think the Chippewas will slide by.

Powell: CMU 34, UMASS 10

The University of Massachusetts is heading into its inaugural season in the MAC after going 2-10 as an independent team last season. The Minutemen went 0-5 against MAC teams last year, so I don’t expect their first in-conference season in the conference to be stellar. I am giving the win to the Chippewas. 

Week 9 @ Western Michigan

Henson: CMU 30, WMU 23

I think this game ends up being a statement victory for Drinkall. Western Michigan retains an immense amount of talent on defense from last year’s team, while the offense remains a mystery. The Broncos will be coming off of a rough two-game stretch, which I see the maroon and gold using to its advantage to secure the Victory Canon.

Powell: CMU 28, WMU 27

As it was last year, I expect this game to be a back-and-forth battle that will come down to the wire. Last year the Chippewas squeaked out the win. Although it will be close, I am taking the Chippewas, who I think will not only win the Victory Canon Trophy but also complete the sweep of Michigan MAC schools.

Week 10 vs. Buffalo

Henson: CMU 14, Buffalo 44

In 2024, Buffalo had an explosive offense, and I feel like this team has continued to improve in the offseason. I see the Ta’Quan Roberson to Victor Snow connection being too strong for the Chippewas to handle, as the Bulls continue to be the most offensively dynamic team in the MAC.

Neal: CMU 17, Buffalo 30

Buffalo, which is projected as one of the MAC’s top contenders, relies on explosive scoring. With the Chippewas coming off a bye-week, I believe CMU’s defense can hold firm for most of it, but offensive trouble proves costly, and Buffalo breaks ahead late.

Week 11 @ Kent State

Henson: CMU 38, Kent 12

Kent ended the 2024 season with an 0-12 overall record and 0-8 in MAC play, while averaging just 13.9 points per game and ranking last in the FBS. Its offense managed only 233.3 yards per game, again the lowest nationally. With these complications, this game strongly favors CMU. If the Chippewas can stay balanced on offense, they should take this game.

Powell: CMU 24, Kent 13

Kent State had an abysmal 2024 season in which it went 0-12 overall. I don’t expect a huge turnaround for the team that was outscored by an average of 30 points-per-game last season and has lost 21 consecutive games dating back to 2023. I think the Chippewas will handle business against the Flashes.

Week 12 vs. Toledo

Henson: CMU 7, Toledo 31

Even though Toledo struggled in the MAC last year, it is hard to ignore when a team maintains 75% of its offensive production while simultaneously bringing in the best recruiting class in the conference. With the return of quarterback Tucker Gleason and wide receiver Junior Vandeross III, I see the Rockets taking a big step to become one of the better teams in the MAC.

Powell: CMU 6, Toledo 27

The Chippewas finish the regular season going up against the reigning MAC champions. Toledo is at the top of the 2025 MAC preseason poll and I expect them to have another solid year. While I expect the Chippewas to put up a fight, I think the Rockets will finish their season with a convincing win against Central Michigan.

The Chippewas’ season kicks off at 10:30 p.m. Aug. 29 against San Jose State University in California.