Central Michigan could be another rising in-state college football team

Central Michigan isn't one of the mega-colleges in the Mitten, like the Michigan Wolverines or Michigan State University. They aren't in the Big Ten. But don't ignore this team, because they could have a total breakout season this year.

Central Michigan is getting a great projection for the new season. In a feature published on Sunday, Fox Sports names Central Michigan University the "dark horse team" for the MAC.

Central Michigan gets a strong vote of confidence

In the piece, they note that since becoming the team's head coach after the 2024 season, Matt Drinkall has coached Central Michigan to its most wins since 2021 with a 7-6 record. Plus, two of the team's losses were determined by just a single possession.

"With an offense and defense that ranked in the top 20 in multiple categories, those one-possession losses could very well turn into wins this season," Fox Sports notes. "The Chippewas' defense forced a turnover in every game, including matchups against Michigan and Pitt. Returning the third-most starters in the MAC should help second-year coach Drinkall propel Central Michigan to the top of the conference."

So, no matter how well Central Michigan does this season, they probably won't get the fanfare of the Wolverines or even the Spartans. But they could certainly become one of the biggest schools to watch in the state if they come out of this season with a strong record. While Michigan gets used to having Kyle Whittingham at the helm and Michigan State tries out Pat Fitzgerald, Drinkall is already comfortable and moving forward.