July 24, 2026
While a 10th-place ranking may not sound like cause for a celebration, it marks a steady upward trend for the Zips. Last year, the conference coaches pegged Akron to finish tied for 11th with just 39 points. This summer, the Blue and Gold secured 52 total points in the voting process. The incremental boost reflects the roster’s progression after grinding out a 5-7 overall record (4-4 in MAC play) last season, a step up from their 4-8 showing back in 2024.
The conference’s head coaches—who are legally restricted from voting for their own teams—overwhelmingly favored Western Michigan to win the MAC regular season and championship game, garnering nine first-place votes. Miami University followed closely behind with four first-place votes.
| 📋 2026 MAC Preseason Coaches Poll |
1.  Western Michigan (9) — 138 points |
| 2. Miami University (4) — 134 points |
3.  Toledo — 115 points |
4.  Ohio — 107 points |
5.  Central Michigan — 101 points |
6.  Buffalo — 81 points |
7.  Eastern Michigan — 76 points |
8.  Kent State — 64 points |
9.  Bowling Green — 59 points |
| 10. Akron — 52 points |
11.  Ball State — 34 points |
12.  Sacramento State — 28 points |
13.  Massachusetts — 25 points |
Coach Moorhead, entering his fifth year at the helm, emphasized at the podium that his “rebuilt roster” is focused on being prepared, playing physical football, and locking down a highly anticipated postseason bowl bid.
The Zips will have a chance to prove the prognosticators wrong right out of the gate when they open the 2026 regular season on the road against Wake Forest on Thursday, September 3. Akron will then return to InfoCision Stadium for their home opener against Robert Morris on Saturday, September 12, following the station’s heavily promoted Party on Vine Street.
