The University of Akron basketball program is currently in a period of significant transition following the conclusion of one of the most successful seasons in recent history. As of late April 2026, the 2025-2026 men's basketball season has officially ended. The team has entered the off-season phase, focusing on roster development under new leadership and finalized preparations for the upcoming 2026-2027 campaign.

For fans looking for the current schedule, the focus has shifted toward the late 2026 calendar. While the full 2026-2027 schedule is typically released in late summer or early autumn, several key non-conference dates have already been established. Additionally, the program is undergoing a strategic shift following the appointment of Dustin Ford as the new head coach, following the successful tenure of the previous coaching staff.

Current Schedule Status and Known 2026-2027 Dates

The 2026-2027 season planning is actively underway. While Mid-American Conference (MAC) play dates are usually not confirmed until the preceding fall, early non-conference scheduling reports indicate the following key matchups for the Akron Zips:

  • December 2, 2026: Akron at Bucknell (Lewisburg, PA)
  • December 5, 2026: Tulane at Akron (James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron, OH)

The university is currently accepting deposits for new season tickets for the 2026-2027 season. This early commitment phase allows fans to secure their seating at James A. Rhodes Arena, affectionately known as "The JAR," before single-game tickets go on sale later in the year.

Transition to the Dustin Ford Era

A major point of interest for the upcoming schedule is the debut of Dustin Ford as the head coach of the Zips. Taking over a program that recently secured a MAC Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth brings high expectations. The 2026-2027 schedule will be the first opportunity for fans to see how Ford’s tactical approach differs from the previous system.

The transition period during the off-season involves intensive recruiting and potentially navigating the transfer portal to supplement the existing championship core. Schedule strength remains a priority for the program, as seen in previous years where Akron consistently ranked among the highest in non-conference strength of schedule within the MAC.

Comprehensive Review of the 2025-2026 Championship Season

To understand the context of the upcoming schedule, it is essential to review the performance of the 2025-2026 season. The Zips finished with an impressive 29-6 overall record and a nearly flawless 17-1 record in conference play. This season set a high benchmark for the 2026-2027 squad.

Non-Conference Performance and Early Challenges

The 2025-2026 schedule began with the MAC-SBC Challenge, a strategic partnership between the Mid-American Conference and the Sun Belt Conference.

  • November 3, 2025: The season opened at home with an 85-71 victory over James Madison. This win set a physical tone for the season.
  • November 8, 2025: Akron hosted Princeton, securing a high-scoring 104-69 win, demonstrating the team's offensive depth.
  • November 12, 2025: A dominant 109-51 victory over Penn State Shenango allowed the bench players to gain significant minutes.
  • November 16, 2025: The first major road test occurred in West Lafayette, Indiana, against the nationally ranked Purdue Boilermakers. Although Akron fell 79-97, the performance against a Big Ten powerhouse proved the Zips could compete at the highest level.

The Paradise Jam and Mid-Season Tournaments

In late November 2025, the team traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam. This tournament is a staple of the Akron schedule, providing neutral-site experience essential for March preparations.

  • November 21, 2025: Akron defeated Iona 96-75.
  • November 23, 2025: The Zips continued their momentum with a 97-59 win over Evansville.
  • November 24, 2025: In a highly contested battle against Yale, Akron narrowly lost 94-97, finishing the tournament with valuable insights into late-game execution.

Following the Caribbean trip, the Zips returned to Ohio for a series of games that tested their stamina before the full conference slate. Notable wins included a 105-81 victory over Milwaukee (Nov 29) and a 97-77 win over Bucknell (Dec 3). The team also secured a road win at Tulane (Dec 6) with a score of 88-71.

Dominance in Mid-American Conference Play

The true strength of the 2025-2026 schedule was the MAC schedule, which began in earnest in late December. Akron established itself as the team to beat early on.

  • January 6, 2026: Akron started a long winning streak by defeating Central Michigan 82-69.
  • January 30, 2026: One of the most anticipated games on the schedule was the home matchup against rivals Kent State. In a defensive showcase, Akron won 69-52 in front of a "White Out" crowd at the JAR.
  • February 27, 2026: The return game at Kent State was equally decisive, with Akron winning 92-70, effectively clinching the top tier of the conference standings.

The only conference setback occurred early in January against Miami (OH), a narrow 73-76 loss on the road. From that point on, the Zips were undefeated in the MAC regular season, finishing 17-1.

The MAC Tournament and Postseason

The 2026 MAC Tournament held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland was the culmination of the season's domestic schedule.

  • Quarterfinals (March 12): Akron faced #7 seed Buffalo, narrowly escaping with a 73-70 win.
  • Semifinals (March 13): A hard-fought 75-68 victory over #3 Kent State sent the Zips to the finals.
  • Championship (March 14): In a thrilling final against #4 Toledo, Akron won 79-76, securing the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The 2025-26 season eventually concluded in the NCAA Tournament First Round in Tampa, Florida, where Akron faced Texas Tech on March 20, 2026, losing 71-91.

Understanding Game Locations and the Fan Experience

When following the Akron basketball schedule, understanding the venues and logistics is key for fans planning to attend games.

James A. Rhodes Arena (The JAR)

The majority of Akron's home games are played at James A. Rhodes Arena. The facility is known for its intimate atmosphere, where the fans are close to the court, creating a significant home-court advantage. During the 2025-2026 season, the Zips maintained an undefeated 15-0 record at home.

For the 2026-2027 season, the JAR will continue to host various themed nights, including:

  • Gold Rush: Fans are encouraged to wear gold to create a unified visual front.
  • Education Day: Mid-week games that often host local school districts.
  • Senior Day: The final home game of the regular season, honoring graduating players.

Road Games and Neutral Sites

The Akron schedule frequently includes high-profile road games against "Power 5" opponents and neutral-site tournaments. Travel for fans usually involves trips to other MAC schools in Ohio (Kent State, Ohio, Bowling Green, Miami), Michigan (Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Western Michigan), Indiana (Ball State), Illinois (Northern Illinois), and New York (Buffalo).

Akron Women's Basketball Schedule Context

The Akron Lady Zips also maintain a rigorous schedule that often runs concurrently with the men's program. In the 2025-2026 season, the women's team faced a challenging non-conference slate, including games against Notre Dame and Michigan.

For the 2026-2027 season, fans can expect a similar structure, with conference play beginning in January. Historically, double-headers where both the men’s and women’s teams play on the same day at the JAR are popular events for the local community.

How to Watch and Follow the Zips

The broadcasting schedule for Akron basketball is primarily handled through the MAC’s partnership with ESPN and CBS Sports Network.

  • ESPN+: The majority of regular-season home and conference road games are streamed live on ESPN+.
  • CBS Sports Network: High-stakes matchups, particularly those against Kent State or Toledo, are frequently picked up for national television.
  • Radio: WHLO 640 AM remains the primary home for the Akron Sports Network, providing play-by-play coverage for those unable to watch the video feed.

Preparing for the 2026-2027 Season

As the university prepares to release the full schedule for the 2026-2027 season, there are several milestones for fans to watch for:

  1. July/August 2026: Announcement of the full non-conference schedule.
  2. September 2026: Release of the Mid-American Conference dates and times.
  3. October 2026: Preseason exhibition games and the annual "Blue and Gold" scrimmage.
  4. November 2026: Official season tip-off.

The athletic department has emphasized that existing season ticket holders will be contacted regarding renewals in the coming months. New fans are encouraged to place deposits now to ensure they are part of the new era under Dustin Ford.

Frequently Asked Questions about Akron Basketball Schedules

When is the next Akron basketball game?

The 2025-2026 season has ended. The next official games will take place in November 2026 for the start of the 2026-2027 season. Preliminary dates include December 2 and December 5, 2026.

Where can I find the most up-to-date schedule?

The most reliable source for schedule changes, tip-off times, and television assignments is the official University of Akron athletics website, gozips.com. Schedules are subject to change based on television broadcasting windows.

How do I purchase tickets for upcoming games?

Tickets can be purchased through the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium or via the official website. Season ticket deposits for 2026-27 are currently being accepted.

What happened to Coach John Groce?

Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, the university introduced Dustin Ford as the new head coach. Coach transitions are common during the off-season, and Ford is expected to lead the team into the 2026-27 schedule.

Are Akron basketball games televised?

Yes, most games are available on ESPN+. Selected games are broadcast on ESPN2, ESPNU, and CBS Sports Network. Radio coverage is provided by 640 WHLO AM.

Summary of the Akron Basketball Outlook

The Akron Zips remain a premier force in the Mid-American Conference. Despite being in the off-season, the momentum from a 29-win 2025-2026 season and a MAC Championship win has created significant anticipation for the 2026-2027 schedule. With the transition to head coach Dustin Ford and the early confirmation of matchups against Bucknell and Tulane, the program is poised to continue its winning tradition. Fans are encouraged to stay connected through official university channels for the full schedule release expected in the summer of 2026.