Akron Zips is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -18.1. Akron Zips enters the season with a power rating of -18.1, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Akron Zips head to Wake Forest next in Week 1. In 2025, Akron Zips went 5-7 overall, 6-6 against the spread, and 7-5 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Akron Zips Power Rating of -18.1 is 18.3 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Akron Zips have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 3,847 miles, ranking 127th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Wake Forest | 348 mi | 695 mi |
| Week 2 | Robert Morris | Home | 695 mi |
| Week 3 | Minnesota | 651 mi | 1,997 mi |
| Week 4 | UNLV | Home | 1,997 mi |
| Week 5 | Central Michigan | 240 mi | 2,478 mi |
| Week 6 | Eastern Michigan | Home | 2,478 mi |
| Week 7 | Miami (OH) | 201 mi | 2,880 mi |
| Week 8 | Kent State | 11 mi | 2,903 mi |
| Week 9 | — | Bye | |
| Week 10 | Ohio | Home | 2,903 mi |
| Week 11 | Western Michigan | Home | 2,903 mi |
| Week 12 | Massachusetts | 472 mi | 3,847 mi |
| Week 13 | Buffalo | Home | 3,847 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Akron enters 2026 with transfer Reese Poffenbarger at quarterback, a proven FCS starter who threw for 60 touchdowns at UAlbany. He inherits a skilled group led by second-team All-MAC running back Jordan Gant (1,032 yards last season) and receiver Marcel Williams (641 yards). The offense has continuity at the skill positions, but the line must gel after losing some production to the portal.
The Zips return a veteran secondary headlined by safety Rodrick Hunter and corner Terence Thomas, with Aamii Branch expected to contribute at nickel. The hope is that former Oregon transfer Daymon David returns from injury to solidify the back end. This unit will be counted on to improve a defense that ranked ninth in the MAC in scoring last year.
With the bowl ban lifted, Akron has a clear path to a postseason berth. The schedule includes tough non-conference games at Wake Forest, UNLV, and Minnesota, but the Zips have enough returning talent on offense and a manageable MAC slate to aim for six wins. The key will be consistency from Poffenbarger and the offensive line.
Both kicker Matthew Schramm (12-of-13 field goals, 4-of-5 from beyond 40) and punter Joseph Castle (42.9-yard average) return, giving Akron reliable specialists. Sean Patrick is back as the primary punt returner, adding a threat in the return game that can flip field position.
Akron lost some key contributors to the transfer portal, particularly along both lines. The offensive line must replace departed starters, and the defensive front relies on returning players like Cyrus Durham and the Frazier twins to step up. The Zips have rotational experience but lack proven depth, which could be tested in a long season.
Akron Zips is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Akron Zips holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -18.1, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Akron Zips's home field advantage rating is 2.1 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Akron Zips travels 3,847 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 127th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Akron Zips: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -18.1.
