Akron Football Schedule, Results and Key Games
Akron football enters the 2026 season with a schedule that gives fans plenty to watch, from an opening road game against Wake Forest to a demanding non-conference matchup with Minnesota and a full Mid-American Conference slate. The Zips will also renew their annual rivalry with Kent State and host several important MAC games at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Health Field.
For fans searching for the Akron football schedule, the most useful information is not simply a list of dates. Understanding which games are non-conference contests, which matchups could influence the MAC standings, and when the rivalry games take place provides much better context.
Akron Football 2026 Schedule at a Glance
The University of Akron’s 2026 football schedule contains 12 regular-season games, including eight Mid-American Conference contests. Akron is scheduled to play four MAC games at home and four on the road.
Here is the current schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time | TV/Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | Wake Forest | Away | 7 p.m. ET | ACC Network |
| Sept. 12 | Robert Morris | Home | 3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN+ |
| Sept. 19 | Minnesota | Away | Noon ET | Big Ten Network |
| Sept. 26 | UNLV | Home | TBD | TBD |
| Oct. 3 | Central Michigan | Away | TBD | TBD |
| Oct. 10 | Eastern Michigan | Home | 3:30 p.m. ET | TBD |
| Oct. 17 | Miami (Ohio) | Away | TBD | TBD |
| Oct. 24 | Kent State | Away | TBD | TBD |
| Oct. 31 | Bye | — | — | — |
| Nov. 3 | Ohio | Home | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN2/ESPNU |
| Nov. 10 | Western Michigan | Home | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN2/ESPNU/CBSSN |
| Nov. 18 | UMass | Away | 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPNU/CBSSN |
| Nov. 27 | Buffalo | Home | Noon ET | ESPNU/CBSSN |
The published schedule also lists the MAC Championship Game for December 5, Akron Football although qualification for that game depends on the conference standings.
Game times for several September and October contests remain subject to the conference’s announcement windows.
How the Akron Football Schedule Is Structured
The 2026 schedule can be divided into three broad stages: non-conference play, the main portion of the MAC schedule, and November MACtion.
Non-Conference Games
Akron opens the season with four non-conference games:
- Wake Forest
- Robert Morris
- Minnesota
- UNLV
The opening three games provide a particularly varied test. Akron travels to an ACC opponent, returns home for Robert Morris, and then travels to face Big Ten opponent Minnesota. UNLV then visits Akron to close the non-conference portion of the schedule.
That sequence gives the Zips an early opportunity to measure themselves against teams from outside the MAC while also playing a pair of major-conference road games.
MAC Conference Play
Akron’s conference schedule begins October 3 at Central Michigan. The Zips then host Eastern Michigan before traveling to Miami (Ohio) and Kent State.
After the October 31 bye, Akron returns to conference action with three consecutive midweek games before closing the regular season against Buffalo.
The conference portion is especially important because the MAC’s current championship format does not use East and West divisions. Instead, the top two teams based on conference winning percentage advance to the MAC Championship Game.
Akron Football’s Biggest Games in 2026
Not every game carries the same level of attention. Several matchups stand out because of opponent strength, rivalry history, or their potential importance to the MAC standings.
Wake Forest: Season Opener
Akron begins the season at Wake Forest on Thursday, September 3, at 7 p.m. ET. The game is scheduled to air on ACC Network.
Opening on the road against an ACC opponent immediately gives the Zips a significant early challenge. It also provides the first competitive indication of how the team developed during the offseason.
For Akron, avoiding an early-season setback can be particularly valuable before returning home for the next game.
Robert Morris: Home Opener
The Zips’ home opener is scheduled for September 12 against Robert Morris at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Health Field.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, with ESPN+ listed as the broadcast platform.
Beyond the game itself, the matchup marks Akron’s first opportunity of the season to play in front of its home crowd.
Minnesota: Big Ten Road Test
On September 19, Akron travels to Minneapolis to face Minnesota.
The game is scheduled for noon ET at Huntington Bank Stadium and is listed for the Big Ten Network.
This is one of the most notable games on the non-conference schedule because Minnesota represents a Big Ten opponent. The trip also gives Akron another road test immediately after its home opener.
UNLV: Final Non-Conference Game
Akron hosts UNLV on September 26 to conclude non-conference play.
The game is currently listed with a time to be announced.
Its placement is important. By the end of this contest, Akron will have completed its non-conference schedule and can turn its attention fully toward the MAC race.
Kent State: The Wagon Wheel Rivalry
The Kent State game is arguably the most traditional rivalry matchup on the schedule.
Akron is scheduled to travel to Kent on October 24 for the 69th installment of the crosstown rivalry. The game will be played at DIX Stadium.
Rivalry games can carry significance beyond the conference standings. The Akron-Kent State matchup is known as the Wagon Wheel rivalry, making it one of the most anticipated games of the season for supporters of both programs.
Ohio: November MACtion
Akron hosts Ohio on Tuesday, November 3, in the first of its three scheduled November MACtion games.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with ESPN2 or ESPNU listed as the broadcast options.
Playing on a Tuesday creates a different rhythm from a traditional Saturday schedule, making preparation and recovery especially important.
Western Michigan: Another Midweek Test
One week later, Akron hosts Western Michigan on Tuesday, November 10.
The scheduled kickoff is 7 p.m., with ESPN2, ESPNU, or CBS Sports Network listed among the broadcast possibilities.
The game is part of a demanding stretch in which Akron must manage two midweek home games before traveling to Massachusetts.
UMass: Final Road Game
Akron’s final road game of the regular season is scheduled for November 18 against UMass in Amherst.
The game is listed for a 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, with ESPNU or CBS Sports Network among the listed broadcast options.
The result could become particularly important if the MAC standings are tightly contested late in the year.
Buffalo: Senior Day and Regular-Season Finale
The Zips finish the regular season at home against Buffalo on Friday, November 27.
The game is scheduled for noon and is designated as Senior Day. ESPNU or CBS Sports Network are listed as the broadcast possibilities.
A home finale gives Akron an opportunity to finish its regular season in front of its supporters, while the timing could also make the game meaningful for the conference race.
What Happened in the 2025 Akron Football Season?
Looking at the previous season provides useful context for the 2026 schedule.
Akron finished the 2025 regular season with a 5-7 overall record and a 4-4 MAC record. The Zips were 3-3 at home and 2-4 on the road.
The previous campaign included both challenging non-conference games and competitive MAC contests. That experience gives the 2026 team a foundation to build on, but each season ultimately begins with a clean slate.
The 2026 schedule also creates a different competitive path, with major-conference road trips to Wake Forest and Minnesota before the Zips enter the heart of their MAC schedule.
Who Coaches Akron Football?
Akron football is led by Joe Moorhead, who entered his fourth year as the program’s head coach in 2026. The program opened its 2026 spring practice under Moorhead’s leadership in March.
Spring preparation included 15 practices before the annual Spring Game on April 25. The program then moved toward summer conditioning and fall camp ahead of the regular season.
The coaching staff’s job during that period is to prepare the roster for a schedule that demands different styles of play, from non-conference road challenges to the physical and familiar nature of MAC competition.
What Makes the 2026 Schedule Interesting?
Several characteristics make the Akron football schedule worth following throughout the season.
A Challenging Start
The Zips do not ease into the season. Their first game is against Wake Forest, followed by Robert Morris and then Minnesota.
That opening sequence provides a quick test of Akron’s readiness.
Four Home MAC Games
Akron is scheduled to host Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Western Michigan and Buffalo in conference play.
Playing important conference games at home can become valuable as the standings develop.
Three November MACtion Games
The November schedule is unusual compared with a traditional Saturday-heavy college football calendar.
Akron has three midweek conference games:
- November 3 vs. Ohio
- November 10 vs. Western Michigan
- November 18 at UMass
The first two are at home, while the final MACtion game is on the road.
The Bye Comes Before November
Akron’s bye week is scheduled for October 31, immediately before the November MACtion stretch.
That timing could give the team an opportunity to recover and prepare for the final portion of the conference schedule.
Akron Football Schedule: What Fans Should Watch
Following the schedule becomes easier when you focus on a few practical factors.
Watch the Conference Record
The MAC standings matter more than the overall record when it comes to the conference championship picture.
Because the current format sends the top two teams by conference winning percentage to the championship game, every MAC result can have significant implications.
Check Game Times Before Traveling
Several Akron games have times listed as TBD. The university notes that remaining game times and television information can be announced within the conference’s designated windows.
Fans planning to attend should therefore verify the latest schedule information before making travel arrangements.
Pay Attention to MACtion
Tuesday and Wednesday games can be easy to overlook because they do not follow the traditional college football Saturday routine.
For Akron supporters, however, these games make up a major portion of the November conference schedule.
Where Does Akron Play Home Games?
Akron’s football home games are played at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Health Field in Akron, Ohio.
The stadium serves as the home venue for the Zips and is scheduled to host the 2026 home opener against Robert Morris, along with several conference games later in the season.
The 2026 home schedule includes:
- Robert Morris
- UNLV
- Eastern Michigan
- Ohio
- Western Michigan
- Buffalo
That gives Akron fans six scheduled home games during the regular season.
How the MAC Championship Fits Into the Schedule
The regular season is scheduled to conclude on November 27, but Akron’s season could continue if the Zips qualify for the MAC Championship Game.
The 2026 MAC Championship Game is scheduled for December 5 at Ford Field in Detroit. Under the conference’s current structure, the top two teams based on conference winning percentage qualify.
This means Akron’s conference record will be a critical measure throughout the season.
Akron Football Results: How to Follow the Season
Before the season begins, the 2026 schedule naturally contains no completed game results. The official Akron schedule currently lists the upcoming contests without results.
Once the season starts, Akron Football fans can track:
- Final scores
- Overall record
- MAC record
- Home and road results
- Individual game statistics
- Schedule changes
- Broadcast information
- Postseason status
The previous 2025 schedule finished at 5-7 overall and 4-4 in MAC play, providing a useful baseline when comparing 2026 results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Akron football start in 2026?
Akron is scheduled to open the 2026 season on Thursday, September 3, against Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
When is the Akron football home opener?
The Zips’ 2026 home opener is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, against Robert Morris at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Health Field. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Who does Akron play in 2026?
Akron’s scheduled opponents include Wake Forest, Robert Morris, Minnesota, UNLV, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Kent State, Ohio, Western Michigan, UMass and Buffalo.
When does Akron play Kent State?
Akron is scheduled to play Kent State on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Kent State in the 69th installment of the Wagon Wheel rivalry.
Does Akron have a bye week in 2026?
Yes. Akron’s scheduled bye week is October 31, between its October 24 game at Kent State and November 3 home game against Ohio.
How many MACtion games does Akron have?
Akron is scheduled for three midweek MACtion games in November: against Ohio on November 3, against Western Michigan on November 10, and at UMass on November 18.
When is Akron’s final regular-season game?
The regular-season finale is scheduled for Friday, November 27, against Buffalo at home. It is also designated as Senior Day, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET.
Can Akron reach the MAC Championship Game?
Yes, but Akron must finish among the top two teams in the conference based on MAC winning percentage under the current championship format. The 2026 championship is scheduled for December 5 in Detroit.
Conclusion
The 2026 Akron football schedule offers a balanced mix of high-profile non-conference tests, important MAC matchups, a major rivalry game and a demanding November MACtion stretch.
The season begins with Wake Forest and Minnesota road tests, while Robert Morris and UNLV provide home opportunities during non-conference play. Once MAC competition begins, games against Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami, Kent State and the November opponents will become central to Akron’s conference ambitions.
For fans, the most important dates include the September 3 opener, September 19 trip to Minnesota, October 24 Wagon Wheel rivalry at Kent State, the November MACtion games and the November 27 Senior Day finale against Buffalo.
