Western Michigan’s Perfect MAC Start Ends With 45–38 Loss to Toledo

The Broncos rally from a 17-point halftime deficit but cannot complete the comeback in a pivotal conference showdown.

TOLEDO, Ohio (October 24, 2026) — Western Michigan entered Saturday’s matchup against Toledo looking to remain undefeated in Mid-American Conference play.

Instead, the Broncos left the Glass Bowl facing a more complicated road back to the MAC Championship Game.

Toledo defeated Western Michigan 45–38, handing the defending conference champions their first MAC loss of the season.

The Broncos fall to 5–3 overall and 3–1 in conference play, while Toledo improves to 6–2 and 3–1.

Toledo Takes Control Early

Western Michigan struggled to slow Toledo’s offense during the opening half.

The Rockets jumped ahead 14–0 in the first quarter and carried a 31–14 advantage into halftime.

Toledo quarterback John Alan Richter finished with 391 passing yards, consistently challenging the Broncos’ defense.

Western Michigan faced a difficult task entering the second half, needing to generate offensive production while finding a way to contain Toledo.

Broncos Fight Back

Western Michigan refused to go away.

The Broncos erupted for 21 points in the third quarter, cutting into Toledo’s advantage and turning what initially appeared to be a comfortable Rockets victory into a competitive finish.

Quarterback Broc Lowry threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns, although he also threw two interceptions.

Wide receiver Aveion Chenault finished with six receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Running back Jalen Buckley contributed 92 rushing yards and a score.

Western Michigan added a fourth-quarter field goal, but Toledo’s offense continued producing enough points to protect its lead.

The Broncos ultimately fell seven points short.

MAC Championship Race Gets More Interesting

Saturday’s result creates additional pressure for Western Michigan.

The Broncos entered the weekend undefeated in conference play and positioned among the MAC’s leading championship contenders.

Now Western Michigan and Toledo both sit at 3–1.

The Broncos remain firmly in the conference race, but they no longer control the same margin for error.

With the MAC Championship Game scheduled to return to Ford Field in Detroit, every remaining conference matchup carries additional significance.

MCSN Take: The Broncos Can’t Keep Playing From Behind

Western Michigan deserves credit for battling back after falling behind by 17 points.

Scoring 38 points on the road against a strong conference opponent should give a team an opportunity to win.

But allowing 45 points makes that extremely difficult.

The Broncos have the offensive ability to compete for another MAC championship. Their defense must become more consistent.

Western Michigan still has a path back to Ford Field, but Saturday demonstrated how quickly the conference race can change.

The Broncos cannot afford to spend the rest of the season chasing opponents after slow starts.