When conference realignment started to ripple through the Group of Five in 2021, it offered UMass an incredible opportunity. The UMass football program has been Independent since 2016 when the Minutemen left the MAC over a dispute regarding joining the league for all sports. At that time, UMass had hope in their football program’s ability to succeed as an Independent. Mark Whipple seemed to be making strides on the field and it seemed like there were opportunities off it.
That, clearly, didn’t happen. Since 2016, UMass has an overall record of 12-52. A couple of 4-8 seasons under Whipple being their best ever at the FBS level.