A fiercely independent publication covering all of Mid-American Conference sports! Formerly Hustle Belt. Visit our website at https://www.bythebelt.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mr47n6rhak2bThe MLB Draft concluded last week, and in the ensuing flurry of calls, four MAC stars heard their name called, including NCAA batting champion Tanner Mally (San Francisco) and Miami's formidable closer Austin Berggren: https://www.bythebelt.com/ethan-slade-charlie-scholvin-austin-berggren-tanner-mally-selected-in-2026-mlb-draft-mac-baseball/20 Jul 2026 21:15 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr47n6rhak2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mqsl6rswgs2oKent State lost a football legend on Wednesday, as former All-American Jim Corrigall passed away at 80 years old. The Ontario-born Corrigall was elected to the @cfl.ca Hall of Fame as a pro, and was also a beloved coach in the Akron/Kent high school scene: https://www.bythebelt.com/former-kent-state-football-player-coach-cfl-hall-of-fame-jim-corrigall-passes-away-at-80/17 Jul 2026 01:15 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqsl6rswgs2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mqs5aywq5s2uThanks to Extra Points' @mattbrown.bsky.social, we now know down to the dollar how much every NCAA Division I member makes in licensing and royalty revenue. We round up last year's fiscal numbers and break down what it means for the MAC moving forward: https://www.bythebelt.com/mid-american-conference-athletics-2025-licensing-and-royalty-revenue-breakdowns-analysis/16 Jul 2026 21:05 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqs5aywq5s2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mqpavzetus2qThe Western Michigan Broncos fill out slots for their 2028 and 2030 football schedules, with a home-and-home series against recent FBS arrival Delaware: https://www.bythebelt.com/western-michigan-delaware-agree-to-home-and-home-football-series/15 Jul 2026 17:33 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqpavzetus2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mqmqbooakk2oBut if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing's changed at all? [contains quote post or other embedded content]14 Jul 2026 17:30 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqmqbooakk2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mqfj5posmk2iWe're gearing up for the start of college football preseason at By The Belt... Make sure you don't miss a thing by signing up for our newsletter by clicking the link below! 👇📩 www.bythebelt.com#/portal/ https://www.bythebelt.com/#/portal/11 Jul 2026 20:34 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqfj5posmk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mqd3i62z522gBall State is set to host one of Division III's most historic rivalry matchups this November, as DePauw and Wabash will play the 2026 Monon Bell Game at Scheumann Stadium: https://www.bythebelt.com/scheumann-stadium-to-host-2026-monon-bell-game-wabash-depaw-rivalry/10 Jul 2026 21:24 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqd3i62z522ghttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mqaagrstqc2fFormer Sac State offensive lineman Ivan Garza, who started 36 of his 38 games as a Hornet and earned all-conference honors, passed away earlier this week. He was 25 years old: https://www.bythebelt.com/former-sacramento-state-football-player-ivan-garza-passes-away-at-25/09 Jul 2026 18:14 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqaagrstqc2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mq654s4fw222We were excited to see how the revamped EA CFB27 experience would be with MAC teams, but these latest changes and the concealment campaign around it are concerning and frankly, anti-consumer. As an independent blog, we support our fellow creatives calling out such actions. [contains quote post or other embedded content]08 Jul 2026 22:10 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq654s4fw222https://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mpyjfgv3cs2lThe 2026 Athlon Sports All-MAC teams were revealed earlier this week ahead of the latest campaign. Miami leads the way with 19 overall nominations, followed by Western Michigan (17) and Toledo (15): https://www.bythebelt.com/athlon-sports-preseason-all-mac-football-teams-revealed-2026/06 Jul 2026 16:33 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpyjfgv3cs2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mpttk3ezgc2aThank our lucky stars that isn't the case! [contains quote post or other embedded content]04 Jul 2026 19:52 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpttk3ezgc2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mpts6c5i6s2aAlso: the Mid-American Conference. [contains quote post or other embedded content]04 Jul 2026 19:27 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpts6c5i6s2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mpohld6g6k2oJuly is finally here, and it's got us thinking: is it a possibility the MAC could qualify for the College Football Playoff? @shelwick.bsky.social makes the case for why 2026 Western Michigan could be the MAC's best shot in a decade: https://www.bythebelt.com/three-reasons-why-western-michigan-can-make-the-2026-college-football-playoff/02 Jul 2026 16:34 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpohld6g6k2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mplow2n7lk2sIn their latest stint with the MAC, the NIU Huskies were a vital part of creating the scrappy, fun-filled culture the league embraces. Now as they move on to the Mountain West and the Horizon League, we take a moment to reflect on their legacy: https://www.bythebelt.com/northern-illinois-huskies-mountain-west-departure-official-goodbye-letter-maction/01 Jul 2026 14:07 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mplow2n7lk2shttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mpkmxvcwjc2oWelcome to the #MACtion party, Sacramento State! As of this moment, the Hornets are officially an FBS football program: https://www.bythebelt.com/p/965eb7c0-3bc3-473e-8323-c5627347c327/01 Jul 2026 04:00 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpkmxvcwjc2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mpjmiw3sbc2kINBOX: Incoming freshman Timmy Runtso (Miami) and rising sophomore Landon Nycz (UMass) have been invited to the USA Hockey roster for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase. The showcase will also feature teams from Canada, Finland and Sweden, and is set for July 26-August 1.30 Jun 2026 18:19 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpjmiw3sbc2khttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mphflyyfec2r"Anytime a student-athlete is able to use their voice and be involved in the discussion, I do think it makes an impact." Akron women's soccer goalkeeper Sara Bower discusses her experience testifying to Congress about the Protect College Sports Act: https://www.bythebelt.com/sara-bower-interview-protect-college-sports-act-congrees-testifiying-2026-akron-soccer/29 Jun 2026 21:10 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mphflyyfec2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mphflyyfec2r"Anytime a student-athlete is able to use their voice and be involved in the discussion, I do think it makes an impact." Akron women's soccer goalkeeper Sara Bower discusses her experience testifying to Congress about the Protect College Sports Act: https://www.bythebelt.com/sara-bower-interview-protect-college-sports-act-congrees-testifiying-2026-akron-soccer/29 Jun 2026 21:10 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mphflyyfec2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mph3hq4oa22aEA Sports released school prestige ratings and (new for CFB 27) program budgets for all 138 member schools earlier this morning! Check in to see where your favorite #MACtion team stands as you plan your potential Dynasty rebuild: https://www.bythebelt.com/dynasty-prestige-ratings-budget-every-mid-american-conference-program-ea-college-football-27/29 Jun 2026 18:09 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mph3hq4oa22ahttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp7dz4vuxk2vThe full ratings for all 9,013 players featured in EA Sports College Football 27 are now out to the public! How do the players on your favorite #MACtion squad rank? We've compiled the top 10 from all 13 programs here: https://www.bythebelt.com/mid-american-conference-overall-player-ratings-ea-college-football-27/26 Jun 2026 16:20 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp7dz4vuxk2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp54ufdcpc2lThe NCAA adjusted its bowl-eligibility standard on Wednesday, allowing programs in their first year of FBS competition to be immediately eligible for the postseason. That's significant news for the MAC's newest member Sacramento State: https://www.bythebelt.com/ncaa-rules-sacramento-state-hornets-bowl-mac-championship-eligible-2026/25 Jun 2026 19:07 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp54ufdcpc2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp4ws7tqe22mThe "Iceman" saga continues, as Caleb Williams has been denied trademark protection per @profootballtalk.bsky.social-- though the USPTO says it interferes with a line of boots made by LaCrosse, not George Gervin. Our initial piece on the issue from March: https://www.bythebelt.com/george-gervin-caleb-williams-chuck-liddell-iceman-trademark-dispute/25 Jun 2026 17:19 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp4ws7tqe22mhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp4sgnbjqs2hThe 2026 MAC Defensive Player of the Year will get his chance to shine in the pros, as former BGSU guard Javontae Campbell signs a Summer League deal with the Philadelphia 76ers: https://www.bythebelt.com/bowling-green-guard-javontae-campbell-signs-summer-league-deal-philadelphia-76ers/25 Jun 2026 16:01 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp4sgnbjqs2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp4nidz4nk2jPete Suder, the hero of the March Madness darling Miami RedHawks, will begin his professional career as a two-way player for the Los Angeles Lakers after going undrafted: https://www.bythebelt.com/peter-suder-signs-two-way-deal-with-los-angeles-lakers-miami-redhawks/25 Jun 2026 14:32 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp4nidz4nk2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp2kekbxds27Kent Staten, a class of 2027 QB from Maple Heights (OH), held offers from a slew of Ohio MAC schools So of course, it was only natural he committed to... Toledo: https://www.bythebelt.com/kent-staten-commits-toledo-rockets-2027-qb/24 Jun 2026 18:31 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp2kekbxds27https://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp2ilzyuq22jThe Mid-American Conference and Sun Belt Conference agreed to a two-year extension of their Basketball Challenge Series on Wednesday afternoon, extending the event to the 2028-29 season: https://www.bythebelt.com/mac-sun-belt-basketball-challenge-series-extension-2028-29-season/24 Jun 2026 17:59 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp2ilzyuq22jhttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp2cysb6c22cAre you ready to get in the game? EA Sports revealed its list of overall rankings for all 138 (!) member teams on Tuesday afternoon. See where your favorite #MACtion team ranks as the anticipation builds: https://www.bythebelt.com/mid-american-conference-team-ratings-overall-ea-college-football-27/24 Jun 2026 16:19 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp2cysb6c22chttps://bsky.app/profile/bythebelt.bsky.social/post/3mp2a4avzfc2wThe second round of the #NBADraft starts tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Miami combo guard Pete Suder hopes to hear his name called before the clock strikes midnight. Here's what you need to know about him ahead of the action: https://www.bythebelt.com/peter-suder-miami-redhawks-nba-draft-profile-career-retrospective-2026/24 Jun 2026 15:27 +0000at://did:plc:kp3vcev4btw3hmo45ib6awk7/app.bsky.feed.post/3mp2a4avzfc2w