Predicting 2026

[catdaddyp]

If quarterback play lives up to its potential and the offensive line gels quickly, this year’s offense has a chance to be explosive, especially with the skill positions being talented and deep. Defensively, there are plenty of question marks up front, but this unit could surprise. The question is how long it will take for this year’s defense to sync. There’s enough talent on that side of the ball to keep Akron in all of its conference matchups, and Tibesar always has them playing a physical brand of football. I also expect special teams to make a bounce back this year, as there are players in place who should be able to not only make routine plays but have the ability to produce a big play from time to time. Honestly, I feel there’s enough talent on this year’s roster to win most games on the conference schedule, but this year’s lineup is more difficult than last year’s, so similar results in the win/loss column wouldn’t be surprising.

 

 

At Wake Forest - Wake may be hard pressed to reach the eight wins they collected in 2025, as they will be working in a good amount of new starters. However, they still have more overall talent than the Zips. Even though I’m calling a win by the Deacons, it’s Week 1 and wild things can happen.

0-1

 

Vs Robert Morris - Robert Morris was probably better than their three wins indicated last season. Unfortunately for the Colonials they lost almost all of their production on both sides of the ball. Chances are they’ll struggle to hit three wins again in 2026. Zips win handily.

1-1

 

At Minnesota - Unless the Gophers are completely looking past the Zips and towards their conference lineup, this will be Akron’s second loss of the season. Depending on which publication is being utilized, Minnesota sports around nine players on preseason All BIG teams. 

1-2

 

Vs UNLV - It’ll be nice having a strong G5 program come into InfoCision. What won’t be nice is the likely loss that’ll come with it. UNLV is expected to be a contender for the G5 playoff spot this season. Who knows if that’ll come to pass, but the Rebels will likely be too much for the Zips to handle.

1-3

 

At Central Michigan - The Chippewas should be strong along both lines of scrimmage and field one of the better run games in the MAC. There are questions about who will be the starting QB, but if the Chips figure that out, they are going to give opponents all kinds of issues with their power spread offense. Akron caught CMU by surprise last year and I doubt that happens again. Also, I don’t like the Chips physical style against Akron’s remade defensive front.

1-4 (0-1)

 

Vs Eastern Michigan - There hasn’t been much separating Akron and Eastern Michigan over the past few years, and despite EMU returning a bunch of production, I suspect there won’t be much separating the two programs again this year. This will be EMU’s second road game in a back-to-back, and it could also be the highest attended game of the year for Akron. If that turns out to be the case, there will certainly be more energy in the stadium, which should help lead the Zips to their first conference win.

2-4 (1-1)

 

At Miami - Miami has been picked as one of the best teams in the MAC again. If rumors are true that the RedHawks have the most revenue share of any program in the conference, then Miami should be fielding the strongest team on a consistent basis. The Zips have had issues scoring points against Miami whenever they’ve played over the past few years, and I doubt that changes in 2026. Miami wins.

2-5 (1-2)

 

At Kent State - Zips shouldn’t have lost to Kent last year. They won’t lose this year. Akron takes back the Wagon Wheel.

3-5 (2-2)

 

Vs Ohio - This could be the year all the coaching changes finally catch up with the Bobcats. Couple that with losing all-conference quarterback Navarro, who bailed out the Ohio offense with his scrambling ability an insane amount of times, and this may line up as an “upset” victory for the Zips. Ohio has plenty of talent, but QB play is what has set them apart in recent seasons. I’m expecting a drop-off and calling for a Zips win.

4-5 (3-2)

 

Vs Western Michigan - Western Michigan was the most physical team in the conference last season, and that will probably remain true in 2026. WMU returns a lot of production on the offensive side of the ball, including the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Lowry. However, the Broncos are replacing a number of players on defense. At this point in the season, I feel like the Zips will be situated to take one of the two games between Ohio and WMU, so if I’m wrong about Ohio, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a win against WMU. That said, since I called a win against Ohio, I’m going with a loss here.

4-6 (3-3)

 

At UMASS - The Minutemen should be improved over last year, and if they aren’t, their administration may be forced to make yet another change with the coaching staff. Especially considering how they’ve sunk plenty of money into the program, by G5 standards. Regardless, this is a matchup the Zips should win.

5-6 (4-3)

 

Vs Buffalo - The Bulls lost a ton on defense, multiple playmakers on offense, and will be replacing practically their whole offensive line, although it won’t matter much by this point of the season as Buffalo will have already figured out what they have. Even so, I’m calling for another win for the Zips and a bowl invite, as this staff usually has Akron playing their best football at the end of the season.

6-6 (5-3)

 

Edited July 28 by catdaddyp

[exit322]

Excellent writeup.  I'm not sure I see all six of these wins, but this is a very well-reasoned argument.

 

I'm still saying 4-8 (Kent and Ohio are the two of yours I would probably peg as losses).  It's only Year Five; we can't expect Joe to increase on his win total for a third straight year with so many disadvantages.

Edited July 28 by exit322

[Zips1991]

Unfortunately, I see a 5-7 record again. I think the team may be better but the schedule is also more difficult. I see us beating RMU, EMU, Kent, UMASS, and Buffalo. With our track record against OU, I can't predict a win in that game although I understand the reasoning.

[ZippyDoo]

Cat, I personally love when you do things like this and appreciate when you do your breakdowns.  I am being optimistic and hoping for 6-6 at least. I think it would be awesome and a bowl game would be incredible.

 

Gonna all come down to the defense and I think Tibs is the man so they have a shot

[kreed5120]

55 minutes ago, Zips1991 said:

Unfortunately, I see a 5-7 record again. I think the team may be better but the schedule is also more difficult. I see us beating RMU, EMU, Kent, UMASS, and Buffalo. With our track record against OU, I can't predict a win in that game although I understand the reasoning.

 

I also think 5-7 is the most likely outcome given this schedule. The team on paper might be slightly improved, depending on if O-line doesn't severely regress, but not sure it's improved enough to make up for a more challenging schedule.

[Ham]

I think Poof the Magic Dragon could be the real deal.  UNLV playing a long way from home will take a 1--2 Zip team too lightly.  Zips win.  There really isn't much separation in the MAC.  With 5 conference wins, Zips finish 7-5.  In the MAC, injuries play a big role.  No body is flush with depth.  We all play a tough OOC schedule.  Those early conference losses Cat predicts could become very competitive.  Of course, those injuries could sting the Zips, but I'm still going with 7 wins! 

[exit322]

20 hours ago, Ham said:

I think Poff the Magic Dragon could be the real deal. 

 

If he's good enough to actually get this sort of nickname (I did edit to get the first four letters of his last name as it still works), Akron can win the MAC.

Edited July 30 by exit322

[Ham]

On 7/30/2026 at 2:54 PM, exit322 said:

(I did edit to get the first four letters of his last name as it still works)

Thanks, @exit322.  Holly s..., I go away for a few days and come back to see the football world is talking about the Zips.  I'm not going to edit my typo.  I'll own it.  Now I need to hurry up and get my season ticket before they sell out!  Move over Acme.  This could be an annual promotion.

[exit322]

55 minutes ago, Ham said:

This could be an annual promotion.

 

I think you almost HAVE to make it an annual promotion, right?  Keep trying new things, though!  There's actual buzz for the Zips!

[LZIp]

 

[ZippyDoo]

Does anyone know if the scrimmage this Saturday will be open to the fans????  I know they scrimmage this saturday and next....

[ZippyDoo]

17 hours ago, LZIp said:

 

This Skoczen guy lost ALL CREDIBILITY when he was asked who compliments Durham on that edge position and his response was, "Ah, Amari Bivens a redshirt freshman from last year."   Seriously??? That is your answer? A walkon DEFEENSIVE TACKLE? How about an actual edge rusher? Abor is going to be an unstoppable force this year I am predicting him to be First or Second Team All MAC, maybe at least name Kurtis Waye or that  you expect Dahvon Frazier to step up in his second year at the position? But to name a red shirt walk on defensive tackle????

 

oi vay....

[csims0917]

Skoczen is our play by play guy 

[exit322]

3 hours ago, ZippyDoo said:

This Skoczen guy lost ALL CREDIBILITY when he was asked who compliments Durham on that edge position and his response was, "Ah, Amari Bivens a redshirt freshman from last year."   Seriously??? That is your answer? A walkon DEFEENSIVE TACKLE? How about an actual edge rusher? Abor is going to be an unstoppable force this year I am predicting him to be First or Second Team All MAC, maybe at least name Kurtis Waye or that  you expect Dahvon Frazier to step up in his second year at the position? But to name a red shirt walk on defensive tackle????

 

oi vay....

 

Ah yes Akron's radio play by play voice wouldn't have seen anything in practices or in talking with coaches to make us think "hey this guy might surprise."

[MangoZip]

3 hours ago, ZippyDoo said:

This Skoczen guy lost ALL CREDIBILITY when he was asked who compliments Durham on that edge position and his response was, "Ah, Amari Bivens a redshirt freshman from last year."   Seriously??? That is your answer? A walkon DEFEENSIVE TACKLE? How about an actual edge rusher? Abor is going to be an unstoppable force this year I am predicting him to be First or Second Team All MAC, maybe at least name Kurtis Waye or that  you expect Dahvon Frazier to step up in his second year at the position? But to name a red shirt walk on defensive tackle????

 

oi vay....

Agree, he’s clueless. He also said that they run mostly 2 tight end sets. They hardly ever run a two tight end sets.  This guys is so unprepared and totally pulling crap out of his a**! 

[LZIp]

3 hours ago, ZippyDoo said:

This Skoczen guy lost ALL CREDIBILITY when he was asked who compliments Durham on that edge position and his response was, "Ah, Amari Bivens a redshirt freshman from last year."   Seriously??? That is your answer? A walkon DEFEENSIVE TACKLE? How about an actual edge rusher? Abor is going to be an unstoppable force this year I am predicting him to be First or Second Team All MAC, maybe at least name Kurtis Waye or that  you expect Dahvon Frazier to step up in his second year at the position? But to name a red shirt walk on defensive tackle????

 

oi vay....

I agree, that answer was a head scratcher for sure. Don’t know how you don’t name Abor, though they do both have the same first name, so maybe just got them mixed up.

Edited Monday at 05:14 PM by LZIp

[Hilltopper]

The experts on Zipsnation always know better than anyone!

[ZippyDoo]

exit I will guarantee you ANYTHING that this play by play guy is WRONG !!!!!!!! 

 

ANYTHING you name it and I will bet... just admit that he could be wrong.  Bivens is not and has never been an edge rusher...  never practiced there in there two years...

 

IF he has been to ANY practices he would surely be talking about OMARI ABOR...   Maybe talk about the guy who actually plays edge rusher and was at THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY??? not look down at the roster and pick the first name you see and name a walk on fifth string defensive tackle????

 

Edited Monday at 05:52 PM by ZippyDoo

[72 Roo]

I enjoyed the lengthy interview with Dave Skoczen on the G6 podcast. Thank you to whoever sent it on to us. I like Dave. I think he is a big upgrade over Frenchy in calling Zip games. I have talked with him four times, twice before football games and twice before BBall games. Each time I found him to be warm, friendly, knowledgeable and excited to bring Zip games to the public. I will not crucify him for his on the spot answers to a podcaster. Rather I find his overall assessment of the team, whether football or basketball, to be realistic and objective. We are lucky to have he and Joe Dunn bringing games to us.

[ZippyDoo]

72, I am not attacking him personally. Never met him appreciate what he does, just stating that was a crazy answer and in my opinion his assessment lost some value for this years team.  Especially if he has been at practices at watching.  I know what I think happened, he wasn't prepared for the question and was caught off guard and just tried to throw a name out there... that's just what I think happened, but if I am watching that video as an honest zip fan hoping to gain insight and I hear that I just think I wasted my time is my point. and when others try to justify that by sarcasm and that he his the play by play guy and watches practices and has insight well again I can guarantee that either Mr. Skoczen was wrong on this,  Bivens will not be complimenting Durham as the other edge rusher, unless of course he meant complimenting him when he comes off the field and telling him how good of a job he did.  Then I stand corrected.

 

 

 

 

[ZippyDoo]

this is off topic... i never heard of this young man but his story his good and he still promotes a lot of zips football..

 

i thought some of you may enjoy it jawon chisholm message:

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbn-uMpRO2X/?igsh=YzYxMWc3ZnNueGE5

Edited Monday at 10:57 PM by ZippyDoo

[Hilltopper]

6 hours ago, ZippyDoo said:

72, I am not attacking him personally. Never met him appreciate what he does, just stating that was a crazy answer and in my opinion his assessment lost some value for this years team.  Especially if he has been at practices at watching.  I know what I think happened, he wasn't prepared for the question and was caught off guard and just tried to throw a name out there... that's just what I think happened, but if I am watching that video as an honest zip fan hoping to gain insight and I hear that I just think I wasted my time is my point. and when others try to justify that by sarcasm and that he his the play by play guy and watches practices and has insight well again I can guarantee that either Mr. Skoczen was wrong on this,  Bivens will not be complimenting Durham as the other edge rusher, unless of course he meant complimenting him when he comes off the field and telling him how good of a job he did.  Then I stand corrected.

 

 

 

 

Like, no athelete at Akron has ever gone from unknown walk-on to....

[ZippyDoo]

maybe if they played that position they could  hilltopper.... bivens is not and has never been an edge rusher. has nothing to do with him being a walkon my point was that the guy picked someone that doesn't even play that position. the whole point to him being on the show was that he was representing himself as an expert and providing insight. 

 

 

he was caught off guard and randomly named someone. but you can defend him all you want.  i can admit when i am wrong and honestly it isn't that big of a deal. you can keep coming at me all you want. the man was caught off guard and picked someone randomly. not very professional. that's my point. 

 

i hope you feel better. 

[GP1]

I don't see that illusive 6th win on the schedule. They may even struggle to get to 5 wins. 

[NWAkron]

https://akronzippedup.substack.com/?utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

 

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