Akron Zips Football

The State of Ohio houses the exciting football program of the University of Akron. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games.

Akron has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even a Bowl game during the holidays. Zip into Akron's Gridiron history on this page!

The Akron Zips football program, boasting a nickname as unique as its journey, is woven into the fabric of Akron's identity. Founded in 1891 as Buchtel College, the team has weathered storms, soared to victories, and remained a source of pride for the city throughout its 130-year history.


-Humble Beginnings and Early Successes:
Buchtel's first official contest occurred in 1891, a 6-0 defeat against Mount Union. Despite the initial setback, the program quickly found its footing, winning its first conference championship in 1894.
In 1913, the school adopted the name "University of Akron," the football team followed suit, becoming the "Zippers" due to the city's booming rubber industry. The name was later shortened to "Zips" in 1950.
Buchtel College Football Team in 1894
The Zips enjoyed a golden age in the 1920s and 30s, led by legendary coach Paul Brown. During his tenure, Akron won three Ohio Athletic Conference titles and first appeared in the Rose Bowl in 1942.
Paul Brown, Akron Zips Football Coach

-A Climb Through the Ranks:
After years of playing as an independent and in lower divisions, the Zips finally reached the pinnacle of college football in 1987, joining the Division I-A (now FBS) ranks.
The transition was initially challenging, but under the guidance of coach Leo Theis, Akron emerged as a competitive force in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
In 2005, the Zips achieved their ultimate dream, capturing the MAC Championship for the first time in program history. The victory over Bowling Green sent the city of Akron into jubilation and marked a defining moment in the team's legacy.


Straight from the best authority on Akron Zipp's football, the University of Akron itself. Enjoy the latest news, schedules, and history of the Zips program from the folks who know the information best.

The Akron Zips football program boasts a long and storied history, dating back to 1891. While they haven't yet captured a coveted conference championship, their journey is marked by consistent grit and determination.
Their early years saw them compete in various conferences, eventually settling in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 1992. They've secured two MAC East Division titles (2005 and 2020), showcasing their potential to compete at the highest levels.
Though they've only reached one bowl game (the 2005 Motor City Bowl), the Zips have produced several NFL players, including Charles Tillman and Kyle Kalis. This highlights their ability to develop talent for the professional ranks.
Today, under head coach Joe Moorhead, the Zips are focused on building a consistently winning program. Their signature triple-option offense, coupled with the passionate home-field advantage at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field, fuels their desire to reach a bowl game and contend for a MAC championship.
With their innovative approach to NIL opportunities and unwavering commitment to improvement, the Akron Zips are poised for an exciting future in college football. Their legacy of perseverance serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike as they continue to strive for excellence on the gridiron.

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The Akron Zips football program has a rich history dating back to 1891. Here are some of the top things to know about the program:

The Zips football program was established in 1891, making it one of the oldest in college football.
Initially playing as Buchtel College, the team adopted the "Zips" nickname in 1950.
The Zips started in Division 1AA (now FCS) but moved to Division 1A (now FBS) in 1987.

The Zips have participated in various conferences throughout their history, including:
Ohio Athletic Conference (1915-1936, 1946-1965)
Mid-Continent Conference (1978-1979)
Ohio Valley Conference (1980-1987)
Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1992

The records and stats of the Akron Zips football program are housed and presented quite well on the College Football Reference site.

Sports-Reference is your one-stop shop for college football history and stats. Dive into team and player records, explore past seasons, track rankings, and relive iconic games. Find Heisman winners, conference champs, and all-time leaders. From scores and schedules to rosters and recruiting, delve into the numbers that tell the story of college football's past, present, and future. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual enthusiast, Sports-Reference serves as your ultimate college football knowledge base.

Check out previous seasons, biggest games, origins, logo design, and players for Akron and their accomplishments in the MAC Conference and beyond.