It’s been eight seasons since Akron last reached a bowl game. And, unfortunately for the Zips, they won’t be able to participate in a bowl this season either.
In May, Akron was hit with a postseason ban by the NCAA because of its multiyear Academic Progress Rate (APR). The NCAA requires a minimum APR of 930 for postseason eligibility and Akron’s score was 914 for the 2023-24 academic year, according to the NCAA.
This means the Zips aren’t only ineligible for a bowl game, but they’re also ineligible to compete for a MAC Championship. On top of that, Akron hasn’t eclipsed four wins since 2017 and has gone 8-28 in Joe Moorhead’s three years as head coach.
Despite the program’s recent struggles, there are some positives going into the 2025 campaign, especially with the Zips ending last year on a two-game win streak with victories over rival Kent State and Toledo. It was the first time the Zips beat the Rockets since 2013, snapping a four-game losing streak.
Akron Football’s MAC Title Betting Odds
Akron is ineligible to compete for a MAC title because of its postseason ban.
Akron Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
- Akron’s win total Over/Under is 4.5.
- Over 4.5 is at +135.
- Under 4.5 is at -160.
Akron Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 28 vs. Wyoming
Sept. 6 at Nebraska
Sept. 13 at UAB
Sept. 20 vs. Duquesne
Sept. 27 at Toledo
Oct. 4 vs. Central Michigan
Oct. 11 vs. Miami (Ohio)
Oct. 18 at Ball State
Oct. 25 at Buffalo
Nov. 4 vs. UMass
Nov. 11 vs. Kent State
Nov. 18 at Bowling Green
Bold indicates MAC contests
Key Akron Football Returners
QB Ben Finley
WR Alex Adams
CB Elijah Reed
S Justin Anderson
Akron Football Season Preview
Ben Finley Back To Lead Akron At Quarterback
The Zips’ struggles from last season shouldn’t overshadow the promise Finley showed in his 12 starts. While commanding Akron’s uptempo offense, the redshirt senior had plenty of big time throws throughout the season and passed for 2,604 yards and 16 touchdowns. Finley should be one of the top quarterbacks to watch in the conference this year.
Most of the starting offensive linemen are likely to be transfers or returnees with limited experience, but Keylen Davis will return at guard after starting 11 games last season. The running back room will also feature a mix of transfers and returners while Jordan Gant (Tennessee State) and Cam Macon (Division II Walsh University) join Sean Patrick and Marquese Williams. Last year’s top three rushers are gone.
Akron’s Pass Catchers Could Have Big Seasons
After playing only seven games in 2023 and missing the entire 2024 campaign due to injury, Alex Adams will return and should provide a boost. He was a first-team All-MAC selection in 2022.
Tight end Jake Newell is the Zips’ top returning pass catcher from last year after hauling in 35 receptions for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Israel Polk started seven games last year and should also play a role. I think Fresno State transfer Tim Grear Jr. could become one of Finley’s favorite targets.
Akron’s Defense Lacks Experience
Outside of the secondary, there isn’t a ton of experience throughout the defense. Elijah Reed returns at cornerback and started six games last season where he had 32 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception. Safety Justin Anderson had 44 tackles in seven starts while Catrell White started one game at corner and had three PBUs. Daymon David started the first two games at safety where he had an interception against Rutgers and is likely the favorite to earn a starting nod.
Linebacker Gage Summers started two games last year and turned it on late, finishing with 35 total tackles, including 19 tackles in the regular season finale against Toledo. Alex Branch should play at the nickelback spot and brings experience after coming in from Kent State where he started four games in 2024 and nine games in 2023.
Dimitri Madden and Bruno Dall will look to contribute for the defensive line after appearing in limited action in 2024. Madden appeared in seven games last season while Dall saw action in 11 games.
Akron Football Season Prediction
I imagine it could be tough to find motivation with the postseason ban in effect, but behind Finley and this offensive attack, I predict Akron will get to five wins this season.
I think there are four games on the Zips’ schedule that could go either way. Each of these will be played at home, and I think they find a way to win three of them with the potential to squeak out two other wins.
