The 2016 Mid-American Conference football season was the 71st season for the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and was part of the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season.

Previous season

Preseason

Preseason poll

On July 28, 2016, the conference held its MAC Football Media Day. A poll of the league's media members was conducted. Western Michigan and Bowling Green were chosen to win their respective divisions while Western Michigan was predicted to win the MAC Championship game.

2016 Mid-American Conference football season

East Division

West Division

MAC Championship Game winner

Head coaches

East Division

West Division

Pre-season coaching changes

Regular season

Postseason awards

2016 MAC Specialty Award Winners

Coach of The Year – P. J. Fleck, Western Michigan

Freshman of the Year – Javon Hagan, Ohio

Offensive Player of the Year – Corey Davis, Western Michigan

Defensive Player of the Year – Tarell Basham, Ohio

Special Teams Player of the Year – Darius Phillips, Western Michigan

Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner – Zach Terrell, Western Michigan

All Conference Teams

2016 All–MAC First Team Offense

Quarterback – Logan Woodside, Toledo

Offensive Linemen – Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

Offensive Lineman – Storm Morton, Toledo

Offensive Lineman – Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan

Offensive Lineman – Max Scharping, Northern Illinois

Offensive Lineman – Mike Ebert, Toledo

Tight End – Michael Roberts, Toledo

Wide Receiver – Corey Davis, Western Michigan

Wide Receiver – Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois

Wide Receiver – Cody Thompson, Toledo

Wide Receiver – Scott Miller, Bowling Green

Running Back – Kareem Hunt, Toledo

Running Back – James Gilbert, Ball State

Placekicker – Louis Zervos, Ohio

2016 All–MAC First team Defense

Outside Linebacker – Blair Brown, Ohio

Outside Linebacker – Ulysees Gilbert, Akron

Inside Linebacker – Quentin Poling, Ohio

Inside Linebacker – Malik Fountain, Central Michigan

Down Lineman – Tarell Basham, Ohio

Down Lineman – Terence Waugh, Kent State

Down Lineman – John Stepec, Toledo

Down Lineman – Pat O'Connor, Eastern Michigan

Defensive Back – Darius Phillips, Western Michigan

Defensive Back – Amari Coleman, Central Michigan

Defensive Back – Heath Harding, Miami

Defensive Back – Najee Murray, Kent State

Punter – Joe Davidson, Bowling Green

2016 All–MAC First Team Specialists

Kickoff Return Specialist – Aregeros Turnerm, Northern Illinois

Punt Return Specialist – JoJo Natson, Akron

2016 All–MAC Second Team Offense

Quarterback – Zach Terrell, Western Michigan

Offensive Lineman – John Keenoy, Western Michigan

Offensive Lineman – Troy Watson, Ohio

Offensive Lineman – Levon Myers, Northern Illinois

Offensive Lineman – Collin Buchanan, Miami

Tight End – Mason Schreck, Buffalo

Wide Receiver – Corey Willis, Central Michigan

Wide Receiver – Kevonn Mabon, Ball State

Wide Receiver – Jon'Vea Johnson, Toledo

Wide Receiver – Jojo Natson, Akron

Running Back – Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan

Running Back – Joel Bouagnon, Northern Illinois

Placekicker – Paul Fricano, Eastern Michigan

2016 All–MAC Second Team Defense

Outside Linebacker – Trenton Greene, Bowling Green

Outside Linebacker – Asantay Brown, Western Michigan

Inside Linebacker – Robert Spillane, Western Michigan

Inside Linebacker – Khalil Hodge, Buffalo

Down Lineback – Joe Ostman, Central Michigan

Down Lineback – JT Jones, Miami

Down Lineback – Treyvon Hester, Toledo

Down Lineback – Keion Adams, Western Michigan

Defensive Back – Shawun Lurry, Northern Illinois

Defensive Back – Dejuan Rogers, Toledo

Defensive Back – Javon Hagan, Ohio

Defensive Back – Jerrell Foster, Kent State

Punter – Austin Barnes, Eastern Michigan

2016 All–MAC Second Team Specialists

Kickoff Return Specialist – Darius Phillips, Western Michigan

Punt Return Specialist – Darius Phillips, Western Michigan

2016 All–MAC Third Team Offense

Quarterback – Cooper Rush, Central Michigan

Offensive Lineman – Andrew Wylie, Eastern Michigan

Offensive Lineman – Jake Pruehs, Ohio

Offensive Lineman – Tim Mcauiffe, Bowling Green

Offensive Lineman – Logan Dietz, Bowling Green

Tight End – Donnie Ernsberger, Western Michigan

2016 Mid-American Conference football season