MAC Football: Power rankings, top 5 players and key games for 2022

Top 5 MAC football players heading into 2022

Lew Nichols III – RB – Central Michigan

Nichols was the nation’s top rusher last year, posting a 1,848-yard season that leaves him as a veritable household name for 2022. He is a complete back, as he caught for 338 yards as a receiver last season, too. His running style is very powerful, yet he has great breakaway speed.

Hassan Beydoun – WR – Eastern Michigan

Beydoun is the most fun player in the entire conference to watch. At just 5-foot-8, he is on the small side, but he makes a big impact. His ability to go up and grab the ball, as well as his running ability in the open field, make him a threat no matter where Eastern is on the field.

James Patterson – LB – Buffalo

Remember Jarrett Patterson? That kid who put up a ton of rushing yards at Buffalo? Well, his brother is James Patterson, and the younger Patterson was a first-team All-MAC linebacker last season. He posted an astounding 112 tackles in 2021, despite Buffalo only playing 12 games.

Dante Cephas – WR – Kent State

Cephas is a lightning-quick receiver who gave Dustin Crum a solid target last year. He caught for over 1,200 yards, and added 10 touchdowns to that mark. Cephas is also another contender for “most exciting” player in the conference.

Jamal Hines – Edge – Toledo

Hines is perhaps the most explosive defensive player in the entire MAC. His 10 sack season last year was second in the MAC, and he also turned out to be a capable pass defender, too, having eight pass breakups.