The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Men’s Basketball Unveils 2026-27 Nonconference Hoops Schedule
September 24 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men's basketball program unveiled its 2026-27 nonconference schedule, featuring 11 games, six home contests and a three-game appearance at the ESPN Events Invitational, announced by first-year head coach Dustin Ford on Thursday (Sept. 24).
"Scheduling has quickly become one of the most challenging tasks in college basketball," Akron head coach Dustin Ford said. "With the MAC going to 22 conference games this year we had the opportunity to schedule 10 nonconference games. We wanted to put together a schedule that would test our guys and prepare us for early conference games in December. While we are excited about all the challenges we have in the nonconference the opportunity in Orlando is great for our program. We wanted a neutral court event with NCAA Tournament caliber teams. It will give us a MAC tournament feel with 3 games in 3 days. We are confident the opponents, spacing of games, and travel will prepare us to once again compete for Championships."
The Zips will officially open the 2026-27 campaign with an exhibition matchup against Youngstown State on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at James A. Rhodes Arena (JAR). The exhibition contest will be open to the public, giving Zips fans their first opportunity to see the 2026-27 team in action. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Akron opens the regular season with the MAC-SBC Challenge on the road at Louisiana on Monday, Nov. 2, before returning to the JAR for the home opener against Muskingum on Monday, Nov. 9. The home opening game will feature the 2025-26 Championship ring ceremony and banner unveiling.
The Zips follow the home opener by hosting Tulane on Saturday, Nov. 14 before traveling to Bucknell on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and returning to the JAR to play West Virginia Tech on Friday, Nov. 20.
Akron will play three games in three days as part of the Thanksgiving-week ESPN Events Invitational at the State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida. ESPN will announce opponents and game times a later date.
The Zips wrap-up the nonconference portion of the schedule with a pair of games at the JAR against Frostburg State (Dec. 13) and the second installment of the MAC-SBC Challenge, which opponent and game time will be announced in January.
Earlier this year, the MAC announced a new 22-game league schedule format for the 2026-27 season. Under the new format, each MAC team will play every conference opponent twice, once at home and once on the road. Akron's conference schedule begins in January and includes home-and-away matchups against every team in the league.
In December, The Zips open MAC play at home against Ball State (Dec. 2) and Bowling Green (Dec. 19). Akron will also travel to Buffalo (Dec. 16) and UMass (Dec.29) during the month.
AKRON BASKETBALL TICKETS
Season tickets and single game tickets are available now on GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling/texting the Akron ticket office at 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium Summa Health Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAVE WITH GROUPS
Group experiences for the 2026 season are also available! Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at Akron Basketball home games this season by visiting our Tickets Page. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available starting today for a minimum purchase of 10 tickets, and fan experiences are available on a first come, first serve basis to any home basketball game during the 2026-27 season.
"Scheduling has quickly become one of the most challenging tasks in college basketball," Akron head coach Dustin Ford said. "With the MAC going to 22 conference games this year we had the opportunity to schedule 10 nonconference games. We wanted to put together a schedule that would test our guys and prepare us for early conference games in December. While we are excited about all the challenges we have in the nonconference the opportunity in Orlando is great for our program. We wanted a neutral court event with NCAA Tournament caliber teams. It will give us a MAC tournament feel with 3 games in 3 days. We are confident the opponents, spacing of games, and travel will prepare us to once again compete for Championships."
The Zips will officially open the 2026-27 campaign with an exhibition matchup against Youngstown State on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at James A. Rhodes Arena (JAR). The exhibition contest will be open to the public, giving Zips fans their first opportunity to see the 2026-27 team in action. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Akron opens the regular season with the MAC-SBC Challenge on the road at Louisiana on Monday, Nov. 2, before returning to the JAR for the home opener against Muskingum on Monday, Nov. 9. The home opening game will feature the 2025-26 Championship ring ceremony and banner unveiling.
The Zips follow the home opener by hosting Tulane on Saturday, Nov. 14 before traveling to Bucknell on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and returning to the JAR to play West Virginia Tech on Friday, Nov. 20.
Akron will play three games in three days as part of the Thanksgiving-week ESPN Events Invitational at the State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida. ESPN will announce opponents and game times a later date.
The Zips wrap-up the nonconference portion of the schedule with a pair of games at the JAR against Frostburg State (Dec. 13) and the second installment of the MAC-SBC Challenge, which opponent and game time will be announced in January.
Earlier this year, the MAC announced a new 22-game league schedule format for the 2026-27 season. Under the new format, each MAC team will play every conference opponent twice, once at home and once on the road. Akron's conference schedule begins in January and includes home-and-away matchups against every team in the league.
In December, The Zips open MAC play at home against Ball State (Dec. 2) and Bowling Green (Dec. 19). Akron will also travel to Buffalo (Dec. 16) and UMass (Dec.29) during the month.
AKRON BASKETBALL TICKETS
Season tickets and single game tickets are available now on GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling/texting the Akron ticket office at 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium Summa Health Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAVE WITH GROUPS
Group experiences for the 2026 season are also available! Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at Akron Basketball home games this season by visiting our Tickets Page. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available starting today for a minimum purchase of 10 tickets, and fan experiences are available on a first come, first serve basis to any home basketball game during the 2026-27 season.
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday, April 22
Wednesday, April 22
