Western Michigan receives vote in 2026 AP Preseason Top 25 poll
The Brown and Gold earn more accolades ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The Associated Press released the preseason edition of the Top 25 Poll for the upcoming campaign on Monday afternoon, with Western Michigan receiving one vote.
WMU was the lone MAC representative on the sheet; earlier this month, they also placed on the preseason Coaches Poll. The Broncos tie with Liberty, Tulane and Virginia on the poll, and check in at "47th" in the country.
The Broncos, fresh off their MAC title last season, are poised as the favorite to repeat the feat thanks to the retention of star players such as quarterback Broc Lowry and halfback Jalen Buckley on offense.
Western finished with two votes in the final edition of the 2025-26 AP poll after their magical run which culminated in a conference trophy. While not enough to get them ranked, it is notable because a few good performances could put them right back on the radar for rankings since voters are aware of WMU's brand.
Outside of the 2020 pandemic season, WMU was the last MAC team to finish with a ranking in the polls, settling at #16 after their Cotton Bowl appearance against Wisconsin.
The Broncos will face off against AP preseason #16 team Michigan to kick off the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. The game, to be played in Ann Arbor, will air on NBC.
