The Akron Zips are set to kick off their 2026 college football season on Thursday night as they travel to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Both teams will be looking to start the season on a high note, with the game scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
Last season, the Zips finished with a record of 5-7, marking their third consecutive year of improvement. They concluded the 2025 season on a positive note, securing a 19-16 victory over Bowling Green, which was part of a strong finish that saw them win three of their last four games. A key player for Akron is running back Jordan Gant, who made headlines by rushing for over 1,000 yards last season, becoming the first Zips player to achieve this milestone since 2008. In their previous campaign, the Zips averaged 354.8 total yards and scored 22.3 points per game, finishing with a 4-4 record in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play.
On the other side, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons had a successful 2025 season, finishing with a record of 9-4 under head coach Jake Dickert. They capped off their season with a strong performance in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, defeating Mississippi State 43-29 and racking up 451 total yards in the process. Wide receiver Carlos Hernandez was a standout in that game, recording six receptions for 73 yards, and he ended the season with 40 catches for 611 yards and three touchdowns. This year, Wake Forest will be introducing a new quarterback, Gio Lopez, a transfer from North Carolina, which adds an element of intrigue to their offensive strategy.
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in to the game on the ACC Network. For those who prefer to watch online, a live stream will be available through Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. This matchup promises to be an exciting start to the college football season, showcasing two teams with different trajectories and aspirations for the year ahead.
As both teams take the field, the stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable. Akron will aim to build on their recent successes, while Wake Forest looks to maintain their momentum from last season. With both squads eager to make a statement, this game is not to be missed for college football fans.
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