The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
0-1 , 0-0
Wake Forest
1-0 , 0-0
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 16 |
| Wake Forest | 10 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 38 |
Football Falls at Wake Forest in 2026 Season Opener
September 03 | Football
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The University of Akron football team opened its 2026 season Thursday night with a 38-16 loss to Wake Forest at Allegacy Financial Stadium.
Wake Forest built a 28-3 halftime advantage behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Gio Lopez, but the Zips showed signs of progress after the break. Akron limited the Demon Deacons to 10 second-half points and closed the night with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Cibastian Broughton made the first start of his collegiate career, completing 21 of 26 passes for 111 yards without an interception while providing a spark with his legs. Broughton led Akron with 82 rushing yards on 14 attempts, including a 24-yard run, as the Zips finished with 149 yards on the ground.
Akron answered before halftime as Matthew Schramm connected on a 28-yard field goal with 1:35 remaining, putting the Zips on the board.
The Zips' defense settled in following the break. Wake Forest managed only a Calvert field goal in the third quarter, and Akron kept the Demon Deacons out of the end zone for more than 26 minutes of game time spanning the second and fourth quarters.
Sophomore quarterback Brayden Roggow entered in the fourth quarter and completed all seven of his passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns. He found Elijah Alexander for a 2-yard score with 7:06 remaining and later connected with Titus Myers for a 4-yard touchdown with 29 seconds left.
Akron finished with 305 yards of total offense and 21 first downs while possessing the football for 30:36. The Zips were particularly effective on the ground behind Broughton, averaging 4.1 yards on 36 rushing attempts. Akron also protected the football through the air, with Broughton and Roggow combining to complete 28 of 33 passes without an interception.
Luke Sivon led Akron's receiving corps with five catches for 30 yards, while Gentz Hilburn added five receptions for 21 yards. Thirteen Zips recorded at least one reception. Roggow finished 7-for-7 with the two scores.
Defensively, Donelius Johnson paced Akron with 11 tackles, including nine assists. Rodrick Hunter and Daunte Curtis each recorded five tackles, while Akron totaled three tackles for loss.
Akron returns to InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field for its 2026 home opener against Robert Morris on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
AKR 0, WFU 7
WFU - Shanks,Kam 27 yd pass from Lopez,Gio (Calvert,Connor kick) 8 plays, 82 yards, TOP 03:23
AKR 0, WFU 10
WFU - Calvert,Connor 25 yd field goal 14 plays, 57 yards, TOP 06:13
AKR 0, WFU 17
WFU - Meeks,Antonio 72 yd pass from Lopez,Gio (Calvert,Connor kick) 4 plays, 88 yards, TOP 01:38
AKR 0, WFU 20
WFU - Calvert,Connor 29 yd field goal 8 plays, 32 yards, TOP 03:47
AKR 0, WFU 28
WFU - Hernandez,Carlos 78 yd pass from Lopez,Gio (Loerzel,Will pass) 1 plays, 78 yards, TOP 00:13
AKR 3, WFU 28
AKR - Schramm,Matthew 28 yd field goal 10 plays, 65 yards, TOP 03:22
AKR 3, WFU 31
WFU - Calvert,Connor 26 yd field goal 6 plays, 61 yards, TOP 02:17
AKR 3, WFU 38
WFU - Lawrence,Deuce 4 yd run (Calvert,Connor kick), 11 plays, 46 yards, TOP 05:07
AKR 10, WFU 38
AKR - Alexander,Elijah 2 yd pass from Roggow,Brayden (Stire,Aidan kick) 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:43
AKR 16, WFU 38
AKR - Myers,Titus 4 yd pass from Roggow,Brayden () 11 plays, 79 yards, TOP 04:17
