The Bulls were led by fourth-year head coach Lance Leipold and played their home games at the University at Buffalo Stadium as members of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference.

They finished the season 10–4, 7–1 in MAC play to be champions of the East Division.

The Bulls recorded their first winning season and bowl appearance since 2013.

They were invited to the Dollar General Bowl where they lost to Troy.

Listed in the order that they were released The MAC released their preseason media poll on July 24, 2018, with the Bulls predicted to finish in second place in the East Division.