Akron Zips Football

Akron Zips Football

2024-25 REGULAR SEASON
234.9 PYPG
85.6 RYPG
18.9 PPG
320.4 TotY/G

Team Information

Ground InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field
City Akron, Ohio
Conference Mid-American,
Nickname Zips

2024 Regular Season Leaders

All Stats
Passing Yards
1932
173
B Roggow
9
Rushing Yards
Receiving Yards

About Akron Zips Football

The Akron Zips football team, representing the University of Akron, holds a storied history within collegiate athletics. Established in 1891 during the institution's Buchtel College era, the team has become a prominent force in college football. Notably, it was in 1926 that the athletic teams adopted the moniker "Zippers," a nod to the rubber boots produced by the B.F. Goodrich Company was headquartered in Akron at the time. The name was later shortened to "Zips" in 1950. Today, the Akron Zips football team competes at the highest level of collegiate football, participating in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). They proudly represent their university in the Mid-American Conference's East Division. The team's home games unfold at InfoCision Stadium, located on the picturesque campus of the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.

Name of TeamAkron Zips Football
First season1891
Athletic directorCharles Guthrie
Head coachJoe Moorhead (1st season, 2–10, .167)
StadiumInfoCision Stadium (Capacity: 27,881)
LocationAkron, Ohio
ConferenceMid-American Conference (MAC)
DivisionEast Division
Field surfaceProGrass
Conference titles1
Division titles3
Fight song"Akron Blue and Gold"
MascotZippy the Kangaroo
RivalriesKent State (rivalry) Youngstown State (rivalry)
Consensus All-Americans1

The Akron Zips, representing the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, are a formidable presence in the realm of collegiate athletics. Competing at the highest level, the Zips are proud members of the NCAA's Division I, affiliated with the Mid-American Conference's East division. With 17 varsity teams spanning six men's, 10 women's, and one coed NCAA-sanctioned sports, they've established themselves as a versatile and competitive force in college sports.

The Zips' distinctive name, "Zips," originates from the iconic "zippers" – rubber overshoes produced by the BF Goodrich Company of Akron during the 1920s and 1930s. This moniker, suggested by freshman Margaret Hamlin in a university-wide contest, was officially adopted in 1950 by athletic director Kenneth Cochrane. It reflects the region's industrial heritage and spirit of innovation.

Adding to the Zips' unique identity is their beloved mascot, "Zippy" – a spirited female kangaroo. Among the relatively few female college mascots in the United States, Zippy symbolizes the Zips' agility and determination.

The Zips' football team, a cornerstone of their athletic legacy, plays its home games at the state-of-the-art InfoCision Stadium on the university's campus. Their achievements include a historic Mid-American Conference championship win in 2005, a testament to their dedication and skill.

Akron Zips History

The history of the Akron Zips football team is a testament to the enduring spirit and evolution of collegiate athletics. Established in 1891 as Buchtel College, the team began its football journey with a triumphant 22-6 victory over Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. This initial success laid the cornerstone for a program that would grow in stature and leave an indelible mark on the collegiate football landscape.

In 1893, the college made a pivotal decision by appointing John Heisman as the football and baseball coach. Under Heisman's visionary leadership, Buchtel achieved its first winning season, boasting a 5-2 record. Notably, this era also witnessed the team's first undefeated season, albeit in a single-game season where they vanquished the Ohio State Buckeyes. Heisman's influence extended beyond victories, as he played a pivotal role in inventing the snap, a foundational element of modern football.

Throughout the years, the Zips football program weathered coaching changes while adapting and evolving. In 1926, the team adopted the moniker "Zippers" as a nod to the rubber boots manufactured by the B.F. Goodrich Company, reflecting Akron's industrial heritage. This name was eventually shortened to "Zips" in 1950.

Their journey was marked by notable achievements, with coaches like Fred Sefton and others guiding the team to winning seasons. A significant milestone in their history occurred in 2005 when the Zips secured their first Mid-American Conference championship, marking a watershed moment in their storied legacy.

Over the decades, the Zips have navigated challenges and embraced transformations, emerging as a resilient force in collegiate football. The enduring legacy of influential coaches like Gordon Larson, who led the Zips during their most successful era, continues to define the proud history of Akron Zips football.

Akron Zips Coach

As of 2022, Joe Moorhead, an American college football veteran, has assumed the role of head coach. His impressive coaching journey includes stints at Fordham University and Mississippi State University. Moorhead's return to Akron marks a new era for the Zips' football program.

Coach NameTenure
No coach1891
Frank Cook1892
John Heisman1893–94
No coach1895
Harry Wilson1896
No team1897–98
Archie Eves1899
No coach1900
No team1901
Forest Firestone1902
Alfred W. Place1903
No team1904–07
Dwight Bradley1908
Clarence Weed1909
Frank Haggerty1910–14
Fred Sefton1915–23
James W. Coleman1924–25
George Babcock1926
Red Blair1927–35
Jim Aiken1936–38
Thomas Dowler1939–40
Otis Douglas1941–42
No team1943–45
Paul Baldacci1946–47
William Houghton1948–51
Kenneth Cochrane1952–53
Joe McMullen1954–60
Gordon K. Larson1961–72
Jim Dennison1973–85
Gerry Faust1986–94
Lee Owens1995–2003
J. D. Brookhart2004–09
Rob Ianello2010–11
Terry Bowden2012–2018
Tom Arth2019–2021
Oscar Rodriguez (interim)2021
Joe Moorhead2022–present

Akron Zips Stadium: InfoCision Stadium

InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field, situated in Akron, Ohio, serves as the contemporary home of the Akron Zips football team. This state-of-the-art college football venue opened its doors on September 12, 2009, marking a new chapter for the University of Akron's football program. Replacing the historic Rubber Bowl, this $61.6 million project boasts a seating capacity of 27,000 in traditional seating and an additional 3,000 on the inviting grassy knoll. It features an impressive 84-foot-wide scoreboard frame, accompanied by a sizable 39 by 22-foot video board, creating an electric game-day atmosphere. Premium seating options, a seven-level press tower, and vibrant fan sections contribute to the stadium's allure.

Akron Zips Rivals

One of the most heated rivalries in college football is between Akron and Kent State, just 10 miles apart. Their history dates back to 1923, with interruptions during WWII. Since 1992, when Akron joined the MAC, this rivalry has intensified. The annual clash for the Wagon Wheel trophy, a symbol of their fiercely contested encounters, adds further excitement to their battles.

The Wagon Wheel Trophy

The Blue and Gold Wagon Wheel, simply known as the Wagon Wheel, symbolizes the enduring rivalry between Akron and Kent State. It's a testament to their shared history and competitive spirit, with Kent State currently holding a narrow lead in the series. This trophy encapsulates the essence of this thrilling rivalry.

No.YearLocationWinnerScore
11923Akron, OHAkron32–0
21928Akron, OHAkron8–6
31929Akron, OHAkron25–0
41930Akron, OHAkron12–6
51931Akron, OHAkron12–7
61932Akron, OHTie0–0
71933Kent, OHAkron19–6
81934Akron, OHAkron26–0
91935Akron, OHAkron3–0
101936Akron, OHAkron6–0
111940Akron, OHAkron23–7
121941Akron, OHAkron41–13
131942Akron, OHKent State23–6
141946Kent, OHKent State13–6
151947Akron, OHKent State6–0
161948Akron, OHKent State31–0
171949Kent, OHKent State47–0
181950Akron, OHKent State19–7
191951Kent, OHKent State48–7
201952Akron, OHKent State34–14
211953Kent, OHKent State54–19
221954Akron, OHKent State58–18
231972Akron, OHTie13–13
241974Kent, OHKent State51–14
251979Akron, OHAkron15–13
261981Kent, OHKent State17–6
271983Akron, OHAkron13–6
281984Kent, OHKent State24–17
291985Akron, OHAkron24–0
301986Kent, OHAkron17–7
311987Akron, OHKent State27–23
321988Kent, OHKent State32–12
331989Akron, OHAkron40–7
341990Kent, OHAkron38–10
351992Kent, OHKent State20–16
361993Akron, OHAkron42–7
371994Kent, OHKent State32–16
381995Akron, OHAkron14–6
391996Kent, OHKent State32–17
401997Akron, OHAkron45–35
411998Kent, OHAkron45–16
421999Akron, OHAkron37–34
432000Kent, OHAkron34–6
442001Akron, OHAkron14–10
452002Kent, OHAkron48–10
462003Akron, OHKent State41–38
472004Kent, OHAkron24–19
482005Akron, OHAkron35–3
492006Kent, OHKent State37–15
502007Akron, OHAkron27–20
512008Kent, OHAkron30–27
522009Akron, OHAkron28–20
532010Kent, OHKent State28–17
542011Akron, OHKent State35–3
552012Kent, OHKent State35–24
562013Akron, OHAkron16–7
572014Kent, OHKent State27–24
582015Akron, OHAkron20–0
592016Kent, OHAkron31–27
602017Akron, OHAkron24–14
612018Kent, OHAkron24–23
622019Akron, OHKent State26–3
632020Kent, OHKent State69–35
642021Akron, OHKent State38–0
652022Kent, OHKent State33–27

Akron Zips Record and stats

The Akron Zips football program has a storied history, competing in various conferences and as an independent team. From their early days in the Ohio Athletic Conference to their current membership in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the Zips have demonstrated their commitment to the game.

Notably, in 2005, the Zips clinched the MAC East Division title, leading to a thrilling 31–30 victory in the 2005 MAC Championship Game, a momentous achievement in the program's history.

Furthermore, the Zips have participated in three bowl games, tallying a 1–2 record. J. D. Brookhart's tenure as head coach saw their automatic berth in the 2005 Motor City Bowl.

With 51 All-Americans, including one consensus All-American, and four Zips receiving superlative conference honors during their time in the MAC, Akron Zips football has left an indelible mark in collegiate football history.

Conference championships

YearConferenceCoachRecordConference Record
2005Mid-American ConferenceJ. D. Brookhart7–65–3

Division championships

YearDivisionCoachOpponentCG result
2000Mid-American Conference - EastLee OwensN/A lost tiebreaker to Marshall
2005Mid-American Conference - EastJ. D. BrookhartNorthern IllinoisW 31–30
2017Mid-American Conference - EastTerry BowdenToledoL 28–45

Akron Zips Roster

#Full Name Pos.CL.Ht.Wt.HometownHigh School | Previous School
0DJ IronsQBR-Sr.6' 4''215Lawrenceville, Ga.Grayson | Iowa Central CC
1Daniel GeorgeWRR-Sr.6' 2''210Fort Washington, Md.Oxon Hill | Penn State
1KJ MartinDBSr.6' 1''195Charleston, W.Va.Capital | West Virginia
2Corey Thomas, Jr.OLBR-Jr.6' 4''215Pittsburgh, Pa.Penn Hills
2Phaizon WilsonWRSo.6' 2''210Lancaster, TexasLancaster
3Shammond CooperLBR-Jr.6' 2''220St. Louis, Mo.Trinity Catholic
4Bobby GoldenWRSo.5' 8''180Miami, Fla.Miami Palmetto
4Ryan JohnsonDLSr.6' 2''255Starkville, Miss.Starkville | Iowa Central CC
5TJ BanksTER-Sr.6' 5''245North Versailles, Pa.East Alleghany | West Virginia
5Lama LaveaDLR-So.6' 1''300El Paso, TexasChapin
6Caleb AndersonWRJr.6' 2''215Brandon, Miss.Brandon
6Joey HunterDBR-So.6' 0''195Atlanta, Ga.Sandy Creek
7Alex AdamsWRJr.6' 1''190Osyka, Miss.South Pike | LSU
8Ryan JankowskiQBR-So.6' 3''215Vero Beach, Fla.Vero Beach
8Terray JonesDTR-Sr.6' 0''300Madison, Fla.Madison County
9Dijon JenningsQBR-Fr.5' 11''190Reynoldsburg, OhioReynoldsburg
9Judson TallandierDBR-Sr.6' 1''180Hyattsville, Md.DeMatha Catholic
10Tahj BullockQBR-So.6' 3''230East Orange, N.J.Saint Peter's Prep
10Antavious FishLBJr.5' 11''235Atlanta, Ga.Jackson | Coffeyville CC
11Devonte Golden-NelsonCBR-So.5' 10''185Memphis, Tenn.Memphis University School | Memphis
11Nik OgnenovicTER-Jr.6' 5''255Fort Lauderdale, Fla.Cardinal Gibbons | Kentucky
12Zayden Laing-TaylorDBFr.5' 11''195Miami, Fla.Miami Central
12Steele WaselQBFr.6' 3''215Choctaw, Okla.Choctaw
13Jeff Undercuffler, Jr.QBR-Sr.6' 5''240Burlington, N.J.Holy Cross Academy | Albany
13Jaden WoodsDBR-Jr.5' 11''200Decatur, Ga.South Gwinnett | Eastern Kentucky
14Jasaiah GathingsWRR-So.6' 0''190Statesville, N.C.Statesville
14Noel RoachSR-So.6' 0''195Pittsburgh, Pa.Penn Hills
15Terence ThomasDBFr.5' 9''190Boardman, OhioBoardman
16Nate ThompsonDBR-Sr.6' 2''215Sanford, N.C.Southern Lee | Duke
17Jaharon GriffinLBSo.5' 11''240Philadelphia, Miss.Neshoba Central
18Johnny BrookhartQBFr.5' 11''185Parker, Colo.Legend
18DiMarco JohnsonSSo.6' 0''210Irmo, S.C.Dutch Fork
19Grant GainerTER-So.6' 1''245Akron, OhioHoban
19MyJaden HortonSR-So.6' 2''200Cincinnati, OhioPrinceton
20Darius OwensSFr.5' 11''175Snellville, Ga.South Gwinnett
20Clyde Price IIIRBR-Jr.6' 0''215Kansas City, Mo.North Kansas City | Kansas State
21Drake AndersonRBR-Sr.5' 9''200Chandler, Ariz.Chandler
21Cam ThreattDBR-So.6' 0''170Olive Branch, Miss.Lewisburg | Mississippi State
22Kam CheatomDLFr.6' 3''220Pittsburgh, Pa.Brashear
22Charles KellomRBR-Fr.5' 11''200Cincinnati, OhioSt. Xavier
23Silas ProbyDBJr.5' 10''170Fresno, Calif.Central East
23Myles WalkerWRR-So.5' 9''175Ellwood City, Pa.Central Valley
24Ali BarkleyRBJr.6' 0''225Whitehall, Pa.Whitehall
24Darrian LewisCBR-So.5' 10''195Akron, OhioSt. Vincent-St. Mary
25Blake HesterRBJr.5' 10''185Ashland, Ky.Blazer
26Rishad HenceSJr.5' 9''170Detroit, Mich.Martin Luther King
27Lorenzo LingardRBR-Sr.6' 0''205Orange City, Fla.University
27Catrell WhiteDBFr.5' 11''170New York, N.Y.Erasmus Hall
28Tyson DurantCBJr.5' 10''175Copley, OhioCanton McKinley
30Aiden DiazTEFr.6' 1''255Shaker Heights, OhioShaker Heights
31David JesterDBFr.6' 2''175Homestead, Fla.Homestead
32Gage SummersLBJr.6' 0''225Chandler, Ariz.Valley Christian
34Davion JenningsDBR-Fr.5' 10''180Akron, OhioArchbishop Hoban
36Dante JacksonK/PR-Jr.5' 9''205Chico, Calif.Pleasant Valley
40Bryan McCoyLBSo.6' 0''225Chicago, Ill.Joliet West
41Tyler RiegerLSR-So.5' 11''210Pittsurgh, Pa.Upper St. Clair
42Melvin SpriggsLBFr.6' 1''205Fredericksburg, Va.Saint Michael the Archangel
43Austin WondolowskiLBFr.5' 10''195North Royalton, OhioHoly Name
44Sean ConroySR-Sr.5' 10''205North Olmsted, OhioNorth Olmsted
44Noah PerezKSo.5' 7''160Phoenix, Ariz.Desert Vista
49Bruno DallDLFr.6' 7''255Hamburg, GermanySt. Stanislaus (Miss.)
52Keon KindredOLSo.6' 3''280Belle Glade, Fla.Glades Central
52Marcus Moore, Jr.DLFr.6' 1''315Massillon, OhioMassillon Washington
53Camari HarrisLBR-Fr.6' 1''225Fort Wayne, Ind.Bishop Luers
54Kiawan MurphyDLR-Fr.6' 2''300East Hartford, Conn.East Hartford
54Tyhler WilliamsOLR-Fr.6' 2''310Alpharetta, Ga.Milton
55Josh BlanchardOLR-Jr.6' 5''300Miami, Fla.Norland
55Kyle ThomasDLR-Sr.6' 3''230Chesapeake, Va.Oscar Smith | Butler CC
56Keylen DavisOLR-Fr.6' 2''310Indianapolis, Ind.Ben Davis
57Delvin MorrisOLFr.6' 3''270Caldwell, TexasCaldwell
59Andrew BehmILBJr.6' 1''225Appleton, Wis.Fox Valley Lutheran | Ellsworth CC
60Ben FrankOLR-Sr.6' 6''305Cuba, N.Y.Cuba-Rushford
63Alex RobargeOLR-Jr.6' 4''320Chagrin Falls, OhioKenston
65Tony GeorgesOLJr.6' 1''295Westlake, OhioSaint Ignatius
66Frank McClellandOLFr.6' 5''285Malvern, OhioMalvern
70Brian UnderwoodOLFr.5' 10''310Cleveland, OhioBenedictine
71AJ GeorgeOLR-Fr.6' 6''300Byesville, OhioMeadowbrook
72Colin LyonsOLR-So.6' 3''295McKeesport, Pa.McKeesport
73Jonas MannOLFr.6' 7''315Pickerington, OhioPickerington North
74Ronan ChambersOLJr.6' 6''285Olmsted Township, OhioSt. Edward
76Nate WilliamsOLJr.6' 6''300Utica, OhioNewark Catholic
77Jayvin JamesOLFr.6' 4''285Pompano Beach, Fla.Blanche Ely
78Brian KilbaneOLR-So.6' 3''310Cleveland, OhioSt. Edward | Bowling Green
79Nick StopiakOLR-Fr.6' 6''305Columbia Station, OhioColumbia
80Jax SmithWRFr.6' 0''195Choctaw, Okla.Choctaw
81Adrian NortonWRFr.6' 0''185Huber Heights, OhioStebbins
82Jean Louis IIIWRFr.5' 8''180New York, N.Y.Canarsie
84Paul DavisWRFr.6' 0''195Bowman, Ga.Hart County
85Conner CravaackTEFr.6' 4''235Cincinnati, OhioMadeira
86Isaiah JonesWRFr.6' 3''200Irmo, S.C.Dutch Fork
87Brycen YarmoTER-Sr.6' 5''255Hudson, N.H.Exeter Academy | Coffeyville CC
88Jake NewellTER-Fr.6' 4''240Springfield, Ore.Thurston
90LaJoshua JacksonDLJr.6' 2''245Senatobia, Miss.Senatobia
90Drew NicolsonLSFr.6' 0''225Tempe, Ariz.Corona Del Sol
91CJ Nunnally, IVDLJr.6' 3''230Douglasville, Ga.South Paulding
92Tyler CarterDLR-So.6' 0''290Romulus, Mich.River Rouge
93Bennett AdlerDLJr.6' 3''265Lakewood, OhioSt. Ignatius
94Kabbash RichardsDER-Jr.6' 4''235Lansing, Mich.Lansing Catholic
95Joseph CastlePFr.6' 2''205North Huntingdon, Pa.Norwin
95Andre ProffittDLR-So.6' 2''300Trenton, OhioLakota
96Antonio SmithDER-So.6' 4''250Westerville, OhioWesterville South
97Jon'Trell MixonDLFr.6' 4''245Youngstown, OhioValley Christian
98Langston RaglandDLFr.6' 5''240Westerville, OhioWesterville Central
99Devon RobinsonDLR-Sr.6' 4''300Memphis, Tenn.Whitehaven | Memphis
99Owen WileyKFr.6' 0''190Avon Lake, OhioAvon Lake

Akron Zips Schedule

DateOPPTimeVenue
Sep 9, 2023Morgan St.6:00 pmSumma Field at InfoCision Stadium
Sep 16, 2023Kentucky7:00 pmKroger Field
Sep 23, 2023IndianaTBAMemorial Stadium
Sep 30, 2023BuffaloTBASumma Field at InfoCision Stadium
Oct 7, 2023N. Illinois3:30 pmSumma Field at InfoCision Stadium
Oct 14, 2023C. Michigan3:30 pmKelly/Shorts Stadium
Oct 21, 2023Bowling GreenTBADoyt L. Perry Stadium
Nov 1, 2023Kent St.TBASumma Field at InfoCision Stadium
Nov 8, 2023Miami-OHTBAFred C. Yager Stadium
Nov 14, 2023E. Michigan7:00 pmRynearson Stadium
Nov 24, 2023Ohio12:00 pmSumma Field at InfoCision Stadium

FAQs

A. The Akron Zips football program has a rich history dating back to its first season in 1891. Over the years, the team has seen various successes, including conference and division titles. Notably, they won their first-ever MAC Championship in 2005.

A. The current head coach of the Akron Zips football team is Joe Moorhead. Coach Moorhead took over the position following the 2021 season, replacing Tom Arth. He has been leading the team with dedication and expertise.

A. InfoCision Stadium, with a capacity of 27,881, is the home stadium for the Akron Zips football team. It has been the site of numerous exciting games and memorable moments in the program's history, providing a vibrant atmosphere for fans and athletes alike.

A. Zippy the Kangaroo is the beloved mascot of the Akron Zips. Zippy plays a vital role in adding spirit and enthusiasm to Akron Zips sporting events. The kangaroo was officially adopted as the university's mascot in 1953. The choice of a kangaroo was inspired by a local legend about kangaroos roaming Ohio, and it has since become an iconic symbol of the university's spirit and energy.

A. The Akron Zips have two significant rivals in college sports: Kent State and Youngstown State. The rivalry with Kent State, often referred to as the "Wagon Wheel Challenge," is one of the most intense and anticipated matchups each year. It's known for its fierce competition and the battle for the coveted "Wagon Wheel" trophy. The rivalry with Youngstown State, known as the "Steel Tire" rivalry, is another exciting matchup between Ohio-based schools. These rivalries add extra excitement and tradition to Akron Zips athletics.