Western Michigan, Jalen Buckley defeat Miami (Ohio) to secure MAC title

Field Level Media|published: 12/06/2025, 4:17pm EST

Western Michigan senior John Hofer and junior Jalen Buckley celebrate a touchdown during the home-opening game against North Texas at Western Michigan University on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Jalen Buckley rushed for 193 yards on 19 carries, including two long-scoring runs, and Western Michigan claimed its first Mid-American Conference championship since 2016 with a 23-13 victory over Miami (Ohio) in Detroit on Saturday afternoon.

Broc Lowry completed eight of 13 passes for 111 yards and rushed for 65 yards on 23 carries for the Broncos (9-4), who also won the regular season title outright. Western Michigan's defense recorded four sacks.

Jordan Brunson rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown for the RedHawks (7-6), who were making their third consecutive appearance in the title game.

The Broncos led 16-6 at halftime.

Buckley's 67-yard touchdown run opened the scoring. Miami scored on a 1-yard run by Brunson. Palmer Domschke accounted for the rest of the scoring in the half with three field goals, including a season-best 50-yarder.

Buckley broke loose on a 64-yard touchdown run during the first two minutes of the second half.

Henry Hesson's 6-yard scoring pass to Cole Weaver with 6:43 left cut the Broncos' lead to 10 but couldn't get any closer.

--Field Level Media