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The Drinkall Era: 5 Major Takeaways Shaping Central Michigan Football's 2026 Season Outlook

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The Central Michigan Chippewas football program is undergoing a significant transformation, with the focus now squarely on the 2026 season following a foundational, but challenging, rebuild year in 2025. The narrative for the Chippewas has shifted dramatically with a new head coach, a completely revamped coaching staff, and a massive influx of talent signed just weeks ago. As of this current date, December 24, 2025, the energy in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is centered on the future, driven by a record-setting recruiting haul and the strategic vision of the new leadership.

The 2025 campaign, which saw flashes of potential like the season-opening victory over San Jose State, ultimately served as a crucial transition period under new Head Coach Matt Drinkall. The real story, however, isn't the past season's record, but the dramatic overhaul of the roster and staff that has set the stage for a competitive return to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) title picture. The foundation for the 2026 season was laid on National Signing Day, promising a younger, faster, and more versatile Chippewas squad.

Head Coach Matt Drinkall: Profile and Vision

The Central Michigan Chippewas officially ushered in the Matt Drinkall era, replacing former coach Jim McElwain, who departed in late 2024. Drinkall, born on November 8, 1982, brings over two decades of coaching experience and a distinct philosophy to the MAC.

Drinkall began his collegiate football journey as a wide receiver at the University of Iowa, but a career-ending injury quickly transitioned him into a student coach role with the Hawkeyes in 2002, kickstarting his professional trajectory.

Prior to arriving at Central Michigan, Drinkall spent six seasons at Army West Point, where he was instrumental in leading the Black Knights to three bowl game appearances. His background suggests a commitment to discipline and a strategic, option-based approach to the game, a style he is adapting for the high-octane tempo of MACtion.

Upon accepting the head coaching position, Drinkall signed a five-year contract with an annual salary of approximately $640,000, underscoring the university's commitment to his long-term vision for the program. His mandate is clear: to restore the Chippewas as consistent contenders in the Mid-American Conference West Division.

Matt Drinkall Biography Snapshot:

  • Full Name: Matt Drinkall
  • Born: November 8, 1982
  • Alma Mater: University of Iowa (Played Wide Receiver)
  • Previous Role: Assistant Coach at Army West Point (Six Seasons)
  • CMU Contract: Five-year deal, approx. $640,000 per year
  • Predecessor: Jim McElwain

The 5 Major Factors Defining CMU Football's 2026 Season

The outlook for the 2026 Central Michigan football season is not based on returning starters alone, but on a confluence of high-impact personnel decisions and strategic shifts made by the new administration. These five factors will be the most critical in determining the Chippewas’ success.

1. The Massive 31-Member 2026 Signing Class

The single biggest story of the offseason is the sheer size and depth of the 2026 recruiting class, which was officially announced on National Signing Day (December 3rd). Central Michigan University inked 31 new student-athletes, a massive haul designed to immediately address depth issues and inject competitive talent into nearly every position group.

This class is strategically balanced, featuring 24 high school signees and 7 crucial junior college (JUCO) transfers. The JUCO transfers are expected to compete for starting roles immediately, providing the veteran presence that the 2025 rebuilding squad lacked. Furthermore, 15 of the signees are early enrollees, arriving on campus in January 2026 to participate in spring practice, which is vital for quick assimilation into the new system.

Key commitments include players like Traverse Moore and Colton Benaitis, who are expected to become foundational pieces of the program for the next four years. The immediate impact of this large, balanced class cannot be overstated as the Chippewas look to jumpstart their competitiveness.

2. Strategic Coaching Staff Revamp and New Coordinators

Head Coach Matt Drinkall hasn't just replaced the previous staff; he has strategically rebuilt it, focusing on specialized roles to maximize player development. The recent announcement of coaching staff additions and changes highlights this focus.

Two critical additions include:

  • Jesse Williams (Defensive Line Coach): Williams is tasked with rebuilding the defensive front, which will be crucial for stopping the run games of MAC rivals like Toledo and Western Michigan.
  • Jake Kostner (Quarterbacks Coach): Kostner’s role is perhaps the most vital, as he will be responsible for developing the Chippewas’ next starting quarterback—a position that defines success in modern college football.

These targeted hires, along with the retention of key operational staff, signal a commitment to a cohesive, well-defined system on both sides of the ball. The performance of these new positional coaches will directly correlate with the team's ability to compete in high-stakes MAC games.

3. The Rebuild Mentality and 2025 Season Lessons

The 2025 season was widely considered a "rebuild season" for Central Michigan, a necessary step back to establish a new culture and system. While the overall record was disappointing to Chippewas fans, the team showed flashes of brilliance, most notably in their hard-fought 16-14 victory over San Jose State to open the season.

The lessons learned in 2025—particularly regarding the need for more takeaways and improved consistency—are the foundation for the 2026 outlook. The coaching staff now has a full season of film and data on the existing roster, allowing them to make targeted adjustments during the 2026 spring and fall camps.

4. The Importance of JUCO Transfers and Immediate Impact

The inclusion of seven junior college transfers in the 2026 signing class is a deliberate move to accelerate the rebuild. Unlike high school freshmen, JUCO players are typically more physically mature and battle-tested, capable of stepping into significant roles immediately.

In a conference as competitive as the MAC, where parity is common, the ability to plug in experienced players at positions of need—such as offensive line, defensive back, or linebacker—can be the difference between a bowl-eligible season and a losing record. These transfers are expected to provide the necessary leadership and immediate production to elevate the entire roster's floor.

5. The MACtion Landscape and Rivalry Games

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) remains a volatile and exciting league, characterized by the "MACtion" moniker. The Chippewas' success will be measured by their performance against key rivals. The 2026 schedule, while not fully released, will feature crucial matchups against perennial contenders like the Toledo Rockets and the Western Michigan Broncos.

Restoring dominance in rivalry games is a top priority for Drinkall. The energy from the large 2026 class, combined with the new coaching scheme, is intended to create a more physical and relentless team that can withstand the rigors of the MAC schedule. For Central Michigan, a return to a major bowl game or even the MAC Championship game requires consistency and a winning record in the conference.

Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era

The Central Michigan football program is not simply moving on from the 2025 season; it is actively building a new identity. The combination of Head Coach Matt Drinkall’s disciplined approach, the strategic coaching staff additions of Jesse Williams and Jake Kostner, and the foundational 31-member 2026 recruiting class has created a palpable sense of renewed optimism around the Chippewas. The 2026 season is poised to be the true litmus test for this new era, with the expectation that the influx of talent and the revamped system will quickly translate into a competitive force in the Mid-American Conference.

The Drinkall Era: 5 Major Takeaways Shaping Central Michigan Football's 2026 Season Outlook
central michigan football
central michigan football

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