UMass rejoined the Mid-American Conference across all sports on July 1, 2025. The Minutemen were previously a football-only MAC member from 2012-15, but after nine years of independency, they’re back as the easternmost institution in the conference.
And just like the new kid at school needs friends upon arriving, UMass needs rivals. The Minutemen officially established a rivalry with the fellow northeastern MAC school, the Buffalo Bulls, and the series already has its own name and sponsor. The new Buffalo vs.
UMass rivalry will be known as the “Flagship Cup” and will be sponsored by Milton CAT for at least the next three years.
The “Flagship Cup” name is due to both Buffalo and UMass’ status as the flagship university of their respective states. There will also be an associated traveling trophy, joining the list of MAC rivalry trophies including the Battle of I-75 Trophy (Bowling Green vs. Toledo), Wagon Wheel (Akron vs. Kent State), Victory Cannon (Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan), and Anniversary Award (Bowling Green vs. Kent State), as well as the two trophies leaving the MAC this upcoming offseason — the Bronze Stalk (Ball State vs. Northern Illinois) and Mallory Cup (Miami (OH) vs. Northern Illinois).
Both athletic directors released statements on the rivalry:
“It is great to have the only two flagship public research campuses in the Mid-American Conference meet every fall to generate an awesome football rivalry,” UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford issued in a statement. “We’re excited to celebrate our game annually in a way that our student-athletes and fans can enjoy. A special thanks to Milton CAT for stepping up to present this game as the official rivalry gets underway this October.”
“We’re excited to begin this new rivalry series with UMass,” Buffalo athletic director Mark Alnutt issued in a statement. “With us both being flagship universities of our respective states, it’s a perfect fit. Playing for the Flagship Cup will be a fun and exciting way for our students, fans and alumni to share their passion for UB football.”
Buffalo currently leads the all-time series, 9-6, and 5-1 since both programs became FBS members. The Bulls won three of four matchups when both teams shared the MAC from 2012-15 and dominated the Minutemen by a combined score of 68-10 in 2022 and 2024 non-conference meetings. The first installment under the Flagship Cup label transpires Saturday at McGuirk Stadium in Amherst, MA. It kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the winner puts the first fingerprints on the freshly crafted trophy.
