Top NIL Athletes & RallyFuel Guide
Why the MAC Matters in NIL (2025–26)
The Mid-American Conference has emerged as one of the most active mid-major leagues in the NIL era. With veteran stars returning, high-usage underclassmen taking bigger roles, and several programs embracing fan-driven support, the MAC features athletes who can move the needle both on the court and in the NIL marketplace.
RallyFuel’s Conditional NIL Engagement Rights give fans a transparent, compliant way to support MAC athletes — letting you fuel real impact while staying fully aligned with eligibility and enrollment rules.
The MAC is once again shaping up as one of the most competitive mid-major conferences in women’s basketball. At least six teams enter the 2025–26 season with legitimate NCAA Tournament potential.
Kent State, UMass, Toledo, and Central Michigan headline the preseason favorites, while Ball State, Bowling Green, and Miami University also present strong cases as dark-horse contenders.
Below is the full preview, rankings, and NIL guide for the 2025–26 MAC women’s basketball season.
1. Kent State
Kent State opens the season as the conference favorite thanks to its veteran core and proven scoring depth.
- Janae Tyler and Mya Babbitt—Preseason All-MAC
- Dionna Gray returns as floor general
- Tatiana Thomas and Riley Rismiller strengthen the frontcourt
- Seven players return with 10+ minutes per game
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Janae Tyler — Elite all-conference upside and strong fan appeal.
2. UMass
UMass enters with one of the strongest trios in the conference and a deep freshman class.
- Megan Olbrys (14.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG) — star forward
- Allie Palmieri (12.2 PPG) — reliable guard scoring
- Yahmani McKayle — reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year
- Freshmen: George, Perkins, Pulpi, Hannon
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Megan Olbrys — One of the top mid-major NIL candidates nationally.
3. Toledo
Coach Ginny Boggess delivered a 24–9 season and a MAC title game appearance. More is on the horizon.
- Kendall Carruthers (11.4 PPG) — Preseason All-MAC
- Faith Fedd-Robinson — All-Freshman returner
- Deep, balanced roster
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Kendall Carruthers
4. Central Michigan
CMU’s rise continues behind one of the nation’s most exciting sophomore scorers.
- Madi Morson — MAC Freshman of the Year, school-record 511 points
- Anyanna-Sarai Darrington — All-Freshman team
- Nekhu Mitchell (George Mason) — top newcomer
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Madi Morson — A legitimate MAC Player of the Year candidate.
5. Ball State
The defending regular-season and tournament champions return major production.
- Zuri Ranson, Grace Kingery, Tessa Towers
- Ashlynn Brooke returns from injury
- Transfers: Karsyn Norman (Butler), Bree Salenbien (Gonzaga)
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Grace Kingery
6. Bowling Green
A strong finish last season has BGSU trending upward.
- Paige Kohler (13.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG) — leading returner
- Johnea Donahue — All-Freshman
- Lauren Gerken — healthy and ready for a breakout
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Paige Kohler
7. Miami University
Miami is coming off its best season since 2017–18 with 19 wins.
- Amber Tretter — 20 career double-doubles
- Tamar Singer, Nuria Jurjo, Ilse de Vries return
- Transfers: Ashton Elley (UAB), Amber Scalia (St. Thomas)
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Amber Tretter
8. Western Michigan
Veterans plus strong incoming freshmen define WMU’s rotation.
- Alli Carlson, De’Ahna Richardson, Ali Harness, D’Myiah Bolds
- Freshmen: Flynn, Dibarbrourne, Truillo
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Alli Carlson
9. Akron
Akron’s strength will come inside.
- Ni’Rah Clark returns as focal point in the post
- Keiryn McGuff transfers from BGSU
- Freshman Monique Mitchell expected to play early
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Ni’Rah Clark
10. Ohio
Ohio struggled last year but returns nearly the entire roster.
- Bailey Tabeling (12.4 PPG, 121 rebounds)
- Aliah McWhorter, Asiah Baxter, Gigi Bower
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Bailey Tabeling
11. Buffalo
First-year coach Kristin Sharkey inherits a major rebuild.
- Paula Lopez — primary scoring option
- Aniya Rowe — upside forward
- Freshman Meg Lucas could emerge quickly
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Paula Lopez
12. Eastern Michigan
EMU won two games last season but could take a big leap in Year 2.
- Sisi Eleko (17.9 PPG, MAC-leading 14 double-doubles) — preseason All-MAC
- Brooklyn Thrash — lone returning player
- Six transfers join the rotation
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Sisi Eleko
13. Northern Illinois
A newcomer-heavy roster with real upside.
- Nevaeh Wingate (St. John’s) — 19 points, 9 rebounds in exhibition
- Sa’Mahn Johnson — high-scoring freshman
- Teresa Mbemba (Presbyterian) — veteran forward presence
RallyFuel NIL Watch:
Nevaeh Wingate
Fuel Your Favorite MAC Athletes on RallyFuel
RallyFuel makes NIL simple, safe, and fully compliant. Support your favorite MAC athletes with Conditional NIL Engagement Rights — funding activates only when eligibility and enrollment are verified.
No risk. Real impact. Fuel your team today.
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