The Western Michigan Broncos (4-2) visit the Central Michigan Chippewas (3-3) on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN+ (streaming). DraftKings lists the spread at WMU -7 with a total of 42.5; moneylines are Western Michigan -298 · Central Michigan +240. Below is our Western Michigan vs Central Michigan preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Western Michigan vs Central Michigan Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Western Michigan at Central Michigan |
| Records | Western Michigan 4-2 · Central Michigan 3-3 |
| Spread | WMU -7 |
| Moneyline | Western Michigan -298 · Central Michigan +240 |
| Total | 42.5 |
| Venue | Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 1:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN+ (streaming) |
| Head Coaches | Western Michigan: HC Lance Taylor, OC Walt Bell · Central Michigan: HC Matt Drinkall, OC Jim Chapin / Derek Fulton |
Western Michigan Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Western Michigan Broncos are 4-2 overall, 2-0 in MAC play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 13-12 at Michigan; Sep 12 — W 49-14 vs Monmouth; Sep 19 — W 28-21 at Rice; Sep 26 — L 32-7 vs Boise State; Oct 3 — W 20-17 at Buffalo; Oct 10 — W 38-7 vs Kent State. Most recently, Western Michigan beat Kent State 38-7 at home. Through 6 games, Western Michigan is averaging 25.7 points scored and 17.3 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Lance Taylor (head coach since 2023). Offensive coordinator: Walt Bell. Defensive coordinators: Greer Martini / Duane Vaughn.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Broc Lowry (QB) — 95/139, 996 yards, 7 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Jalen Buckley (RB) — 78 carries, 392 yards, 5 TD
- Receiving leader: Aveion Chenault (WR) — 20 receptions, 292 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Dillon Moore (LB) — 2.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Dillon Moore (LB) — 40 total tackles
Strengths: A defense holding opponents to 17.3 points per game. Questions: Handling a road trip to Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Central Michigan Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Central Michigan Chippewas are 3-3 overall, 1-1 in MAC play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 38-7 at New Mexico; Sep 12 — W 13-10 vs Colgate; Sep 19 — W 24-10 vs Wyoming; Sep 26 — L 52-3 at Miami; Oct 3 — W 41-17 vs Akron; Oct 10 — L 31-14 at Ohio. Most recently, Central Michigan lost to Ohio 31-14 on the road. Through 6 games, Central Michigan is averaging 17.0 points scored and 26.3 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Matt Drinkall (head coach since 2025). Offensive coordinators: Jim Chapin / Derek Fulton. Defensive coordinator: Sean Cronin.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Angel Flores (QB) — 40/67, 313 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
- Rushing leader: Angel Flores (QB) — 97 carries, 501 yards, 4 TD
- Receiving leader: Langston Lewis (WR) — 10 receptions, 142 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Jaxon Cherry (DL) — 3 sacks
- Tackles leader: Xavier White (LB) — 45 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Angel Flores (40/67, 313 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT). Questions: A defense allowing 26.3 points per game; an offense averaging 17.0 points per game; the response to a 31-14 loss at Ohio.
How to Watch Western Michigan vs Central Michigan
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Kickoff: 1:30 PM ET
- Venue: Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI
- TV / Streaming: ESPN+ (streaming)
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN as of October 12, 2026 2:12 AM PT (Arizona time). Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.