Western Michigan Broncos Football

The Western Michigan Broncos Football team represents Western Michigan University in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I and the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Established in 1906, the Broncos have a rich history in college football. They compete against rivals such as Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan, vying for trophies like the Victory Cannon and the Michigan MAC Trophy.

With a notable record, including four conference championships and four division titles, the Broncos have cemented their position as a formidable force in collegiate football. Led by head coach Lance Taylor, the team strives for excellence in football. Join us to learn more about Western Michigan Broncos Football team history.

Western Michigan Broncos Football Introduction

The Western Michigan Broncos football team, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, represents Western Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Established in 1906, it's since become a fixture in college football. Its home turf is Waldo Stadium, where it battles it out on FieldTurf. Head coach Lance Taylor is leading the charge, guiding the team towards victory. The team's mascot, Buster Bronco, rallies fans and players alike. Notable rivals include Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

Western Michigan Broncos Football History

Since its inception in 1906, Western Michigan Broncos football has carved out a storied legacy in the annals of college football. Originating as an independent team, they later joined the Michigan Collegiate Conference before returning to independence until 1948 when they found their home in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

The Broncos boast an impressive bowl game history, having played in 11 bowl games across three nations. Among their triumphs is a memorable victory in the 2015 Bahamas Bowl against Middle Tennessee. In 2017, they made history as the first MAC representative in the prestigious Cotton Bowl Classic, capping off a remarkable undefeated regular season as MAC champions (13–0, 8–0). Alongside these achievements, Western Michigan has won four conference championships.

Western Michigan Broncos Football Coach

The Western Michigan Broncos football program has been led by 16 head coaches throughout its rich history. Notable figures include William H. Spaulding and Al Molde, who hold the record for the most wins in WMU history with 62 victories. Despite challenges, the Broncos have won three conference championships and appeared in eight bowl games, securing one win and facing seven defeats.

Head Coach: Lance Taylor

Lance Taylor assumed the role of head coach for the Western Michigan Football program on December 8, 2022, marking his entry as the 17th head coach in program history. Taylor made a significant impact in his inaugural season, nurturing talent like Jalen Buckley, who emerged as the MAC Freshman of the Year with impressive stats.

The team showcased its prowess, with Kenneth Womack leading the conference in receptions and achieving other notable milestones. Taylor emphasized community engagement off the field, with the team quickly contributing 390 community service hours.

Western Michigan Broncos Football Stadium: Waldo Stadium

Waldo Stadium, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serves as the vibrant home turf for the Western Michigan University Broncos football team. Initially established in 1914 in a rudimentary form, it was fully completed in 1939. The stadium, named after Dwight B. Waldo, the university's first president, boasts a seating capacity of 30,200 spectators.

With a rich history dating back to its inaugural victory against Miami University, Waldo Stadium has witnessed countless memorable moments in Broncos football. The stadium's construction, which also included the adjacent Hyames Field for baseball, cost $250,000, equivalent to $4.3 million in 2016. It stands as a testament to the university's commitment to athletic excellence and community spirit. Featuring FieldTurf since 2006, Waldo Stadium remains a cherished landmark where Broncos fans gather to cheer on their team to victory.

Western Michigan Broncos Football Rivals

The Western Michigan Broncos football team engages in battles with two primary rivals, Central Michigan University (CMU) and Eastern Michigan University (EMU). These rivalries are steeped in tradition and contested for prestigious trophies.

Central Michigan University (CMU) Rivalry - Victory Cannon

The Central Michigan–Western Michigan football rivalry, dating back to their first meeting on October 19, 1907. This trophy symbolizes the triumph of one team over the other and has been contested since its inception. In the latest meeting between the two teams on November 7, 2023, Western Michigan emerged victorious with a score of 38–28. The anticipation for the next encounter on November 19, 2024, is palpable as both teams vie for supremacy.

Michigan MAC Trophy

In addition to individual rivalries, Western Michigan participates in the Michigan MAC Trophy competition alongside Central Michigan University (CMU) and Eastern Michigan University (EMU). Originating in 2005, this trophy was awarded to the MAC university from Michigan with the best head-to-head record in football each season. Currently held by Western Michigan, the Broncos have dominated the competition, securing the trophy eight times, including in 2023. This rivalry adds an extra layer of significance to conference matchups.

Western Michigan Broncos Football Record and stats

The Western Michigan Broncos football team competes in the Mid-American Conference, representing the West Division. With an all-time record of 592 wins, 473 losses, and 24 ties, they maintain a winning percentage of .555. In bowl games, their record stands at 2 wins and 9 losses (.182). The Broncos have secured 4 conference titles and 4 division titles.

Conference championships

Division championships

Western Michigan Broncos Football Roster

In 2024, the Western Michigan Broncos Football Roster showcases a talented lineup across various positions:

• Quarterbacks: JD Davis II, Hayden Wolff, Arik Moyers, and Mark Konecny.

• Running Backs: Keshawn King, Jalen Buckley, Zahir Abdus-Salaam, Tre' Hartwell, and Jamal Hailey.

• Wide Receivers: Devaughn Mortimer, Jordin Parker, Anthony Sambucci, Tony Martin, Kenneth Womack, Malique Dieudonne, Willie Berris, Kaevion Mack, Joey Pope, Mohammed Sayed, and Cam Hedgecock.

• Tight Ends: Mareyohn Hrabowski, Chris Toudle, Kadinn Morris, Blake Bosma, and Brennan Wooten.

• Defensive Ends: Popeye Williams and August Johanningsmeier.

• Defensive Linemen: Isaiah Green, Anterio Thompson, Marcel Tyler, Jayden Childers, Corey Walker, Dalton Gustwiller, and Rodney McGraw.

• Linebackers: Damari Roberson, Jelani Willis, Jacob Wahlberg, Dillon Moore, Donald Willis, Brendan Budeselich, and Boone Bonnema.

• Cornerbacks: DaShon Bussell, Bilhal Kone, Aaron Wofford, Isaiah Paul, Lorenzo Williams Jr., and Corey Webb.

• Safeties: Tate Hallock, Ryan Raybuck, Jacob Szurna, Angelo Stockstill, and Josh Franklin.

Western Michigan Broncos Football Schedule

The 2024 Western Michigan Broncos Football Schedule is packed with thrilling matchups across various venues:

• Sat, 8/31: WIS

• Sat, 9/7: OSU

• Sat, 9/14: vs BCU

• Sat, 9/28: MRSH

• Sat, 10/5: BALL

• Sat, 10/12: vs AKR

• Sat, 10/19: BUFF

• Sat, 10/26: vs KENT

• Wed, 11/6: vs NIU

• Tue, 11/12: BGSU

• Tue, 11/19: CMU

• Sat, 11/30: vs EMU