The University of Akron Athletics
October 29 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's basketball team was ranked No. 7 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll, the organization announced Wednesday.
The Zips earned 542 points in the latest poll, placing them among the nation's top mid-major programs as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. Akron is one of three Mid-American Conference teams in the top 25, joining Miami (1) and Toledo (24).
Akron enters the season looking to continue its sustained success under new head coach Dustin Ford. The Zips have captured three consecutive MAC Tournament championships and earned NCAA Tournament appearances in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The Zips were picked to finish third in the 2026-27 MAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, receiving 110 points. Miami was selected first with 130 points, followed by Toledo with 117.
Akron also had two players named to the Preseason All-MAC Second Team as fifth-year seniors Evan Mahaffey and Tahj Staveskie were recognized.
The No. 7 national mid-major ranking adds to the preseason recognition for a Zips squad preparing for another challenging schedule. The Zips open the regular season Monday, Nov. 2, at Louisiana as part of the MAC-SBC Challenge. Akron's home opener is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, against Muskingum at James A. Rhodes Arena.
AKRON BASKETBALL TICKETS
Akron basketball season tickets and single-game tickets are available now at GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling or texting the Akron ticket office at 888-99-AKRON (25766). Fans also can visit The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Health Field, located at 375 E. Exchange St. near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAVE WITH GROUPS
Group experiences for the 2026-27 season also are available. Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at Akron basketball home games by visiting the Akron Athletics ticket page. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for groups of 10 or more. Fan experiences are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Akron's home basketball games throughout the 2026-27 season.
COLLEGEINSIDER.COM MID-MAJOR TOP 25
1 Miami – Mid-American
2 High Point – Big South
3 Illinois State – Missouri Valley
4 UNC Wilmington - Athletic
5 UIC – Missouri Valley
6 Penn _ Ivy League
7 Akron – Mid-American
8 Santa Clara – West Coast
9 McNeese – Southland
10 Saint Mary's – West Coast
11 Wright State – Horizon
12 Harvard – Ivy League
13 UC Irvine – Big West
14 Kennesaw State – CUSA
15 San Francisco – West Coast
16 Western Kentucky – CUSA
17 Hofstra – Coastal Athletic
18 Howard – MEAC
19 South Dakota State – Summit
20 Princeton – Ivy League
21 Liberty – CUSA
22 Belmont – Missouri Valley
23 Cal Poly – Big West
24 Toledo – Mid-American
25 Tennessee State – Ohio Valley
For the complete poll, visit CollegeInsider.com.
The Zips earned 542 points in the latest poll, placing them among the nation's top mid-major programs as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. Akron is one of three Mid-American Conference teams in the top 25, joining Miami (1) and Toledo (24).
Akron enters the season looking to continue its sustained success under new head coach Dustin Ford. The Zips have captured three consecutive MAC Tournament championships and earned NCAA Tournament appearances in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The Zips were picked to finish third in the 2026-27 MAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, receiving 110 points. Miami was selected first with 130 points, followed by Toledo with 117.
Akron also had two players named to the Preseason All-MAC Second Team as fifth-year seniors Evan Mahaffey and Tahj Staveskie were recognized.
The No. 7 national mid-major ranking adds to the preseason recognition for a Zips squad preparing for another challenging schedule. The Zips open the regular season Monday, Nov. 2, at Louisiana as part of the MAC-SBC Challenge. Akron's home opener is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, against Muskingum at James A. Rhodes Arena.
AKRON BASKETBALL TICKETS
Akron basketball season tickets and single-game tickets are available now at GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling or texting the Akron ticket office at 888-99-AKRON (25766). Fans also can visit The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Health Field, located at 375 E. Exchange St. near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAVE WITH GROUPS
Group experiences for the 2026-27 season also are available. Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at Akron basketball home games by visiting the Akron Athletics ticket page. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for groups of 10 or more. Fan experiences are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Akron's home basketball games throughout the 2026-27 season.
COLLEGEINSIDER.COM MID-MAJOR TOP 25
1 Miami – Mid-American
2 High Point – Big South
3 Illinois State – Missouri Valley
4 UNC Wilmington - Athletic
5 UIC – Missouri Valley
6 Penn _ Ivy League
7 Akron – Mid-American
8 Santa Clara – West Coast
9 McNeese – Southland
10 Saint Mary's – West Coast
11 Wright State – Horizon
12 Harvard – Ivy League
13 UC Irvine – Big West
14 Kennesaw State – CUSA
15 San Francisco – West Coast
16 Western Kentucky – CUSA
17 Hofstra – Coastal Athletic
18 Howard – MEAC
19 South Dakota State – Summit
20 Princeton – Ivy League
21 Liberty – CUSA
22 Belmont – Missouri Valley
23 Cal Poly – Big West
24 Toledo – Mid-American
25 Tennessee State – Ohio Valley
For the complete poll, visit CollegeInsider.com.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Basketball
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/ Men's BasketballWednesday, October 28
Wednesday, October 28
Tuesday, October 27
Wednesday, April 22
