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Akron Zips Football Program History
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Akron Zips Football Program History

The Akron Zips football program is the intercollegiate football team for the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. The Zips compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a member of the East Division. The Zips Gridiron program was launched in 1891 when the school was known as Buchtel College and became the University of Akron in 1913. In 1926, the athletic teams were named the Zippers, after rubber boots manufactured by the B.F. Goodrich Company of Akron. The Zips have had a relatively successful history, with a record of 507–524–36 as of the end of the 2022 season.

The Zips have won two MAC championships (1968 and 2005) and have appeared in 11 bowl games. The Zips' most successful era was the late 1960s and early 1970s. Under head coach Gordon Larson, the Zips won 38 games in four seasons, including a 9-1 record in 1968 that led to a MAC championship and a berth in the Grantland Rice Bowl. The Zips also won the Peach Bowl in 1970.

Here are some of the most notable players in Akron Zips football history:

  • Bob Chappuis was a two-time All-American running back who led the Zips to their first MAC championship in 1968.
  • Tom Beaschler was a two-time All-American quarterback who led the Zips to their second MAC championship in 2005. He also played in the NFL for the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Zach D'Orazio was a two-time All-MAC quarterback who led the Zips to a winning season in 2021. He also set the MAC single-season record for passing yards in 2021.
  • Noah Krampf was a two-time All-MAC defensive end who led the Zips to a winning season in 2022. He also set the MAC single-season record for sacks in 2022.

The Akron Zips have a long history of playing ball on the gridiron. The top posts of the internet on the history of the University of Akron football is found by scrolling down this page.

Akron Zips Gridiron Traditions and History

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!

Akron Zips Football Official 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.

A Legacy of Perseverance and Potential

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.

Helmet History of the Akron Zips

The Akron Zips football helmet, bearing the iconic zipper logo, is a prominent symbol of the university's athletic history. But its design hasn't always been the sleek, modern version we see today. Let's delve into the fascinating journey of the Zips helmet, a story of evolution, creativity, and unwavering team spirit.

Early Days (1925-1947):

-Humble Beginnings: In the early years, the Zips lacked a unified helmet design. Players sported various styles, from leather domes to cloth caps, often adorned with simple lettering or the occasional rubberized "A."

-The Birth of the Zipper: In 1925, Akron students chose "Zips" as the university's nickname, inspired by the popular "zipper" overshoes made by the local B.F. Goodrich Company. However, it wasn't until 1947 that the zipper motif appeared on the helmet.

Taking Flight (1947-1972):

-The Soaring Zip: The first official Zips helmet featured a bold blue color with a single white zipper slashing across the top, resembling a bird in flight. This "Soaring Zip" design, with its dynamic energy, quickly became a fan favorite.

-Variations on a Theme: Throughout the next few decades, the Soaring Zip saw minor tweaks. The zipper's shape changed slightly, and the helmet incorporated stripes and additional detailing.

A New Era Dawns (1973-Present):

-Modern Update: In 1973, the Zips underwent a major rebranding. The team colors shifted to blue and gold, and the helmet received a significant makeover. The zipper became thicker and more stylized, featuring angular teeth and a bolder outline.

Enjoy the helmet design history of the Akron Zips from Blaise D'Sylva's presentation of images of the Zips headgear throughout the team's history.

Top Items about the Akron Zips Football Program

The Ohio State Buckeyes are ready to get their highly-anticipated season started on Saturday when they kick off against the Akron Zips... — bleacherreport.com
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

Akron Zips Football Records by Year College Football at Sports-Reference.com

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.

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