✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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Akron football has been trending in the right direction under Head Coach Joe Moorhead, so could this be the year the Zips finally turn progress into their first winning record since 2015? Expected starting quarterback Reese Poffenbarger — a North Texas transfer — and playmaker Jordan Gant give the program a good shot at ending its bowl drought.
The Zips’ viewing picture starts with appearances on ACC Network, ESPN+, and Big Ten Network. Four games are also slated to appear on either ESPN2, ESPNU, or CBS Sports Network. As for the remaining games, the MAC will announce start times and TV assignments 12 days before the scheduled game dates.
This guide explains how to watch Akron Zips football throughout 2026, including the TV schedule and practical streaming picks. For the national college football viewing picture, our How To Watch College Football guide has you covered.
2026 Akron Zips TV schedule
With Akron’s bye week not coming until Halloween, fans get to enjoy two straight months of football. That’ll start with two road tests in the first three weeks of the season, traveling to Wake Forest in Week 1 and Minnesota in Week 3. After that, the schedule becomes more manageable, especially when the Zips start MAC play October 3 against the Central Michigan Chippewas.
Use this table all season long for the most up-to-date kickoff times and channel assignments. For the national slate each week, take a look at CableTV.com’s College Football TV Schedule.
CFB - Akron Zips Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
At Wake Forest Demon Deacons | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Robert Morris Colonials | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | |
At Minnesota Golden Gophers | Saturday, Sept. 19 | Noon | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | TBD | |
Eastern Michigan Eagles | Saturday, Oct. 10 | 3:30 p.m. | TBD |
At Miami (OH) RedHawks | Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD |
At Kent State Golden Flashes | Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD |
Ohio Bobcats | Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD |
Western Michigan Broncos | Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD |
At Massachusetts Minutemen | Wednesday, Nov. 18 | TBD | TBD |
Friday, Nov. 27 | Noon | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching Akron Zips football
You’re going to need a provider that offers a whole lot of channels to keep up with Akron football in 2026. Good thing YouTube TV exists. This is a fan favorite for sports fans, and it’s easy to see why with features like Multiview and Key Plays. Multiview gives you the ability to watch four games at once, while Key Plays delivers quick access to a matchup’s most important highlights.
Our top picks balance the channels you need, the price you’ll pay, and how easy the service is to use — all according to our Editorial Policy. For more side-by-side choices, check out Best Streaming Services for Sports.
Best Overall
When the budget option is the best option, you’re winning as a sports fan. That’s where the YouTube TV Sports Plan stands out from the competition this college football season. Every channel you need. At the best price. This is a no-brainer, Akron fans!
Exclusive Games
ESPN Unlimited is required for Akron’s home opener against Robert Morris in Week 2. As more TV assignments are announced, ESPN Unlimited could become a bigger piece to the viewing puzzle this season. Keep an eye on the schedule table above.
How to watch Akron Zips football FAQ
Where can I stream Akron Zips games if I don't have cable?
As we recommended above, YouTube TV and ESPN Unlimited make a great, cable-free pairing for fans looking to watch Akron Zips football in 2026. Hulu + Live TV is also a helpful live-TV option for the Zips' channel mix, but it costs more than YouTube TV's Sports Plan.
Can I watch Akron Zips football on Paramount+?
No. While the final three games on Akron's schedule could potentially air on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ does not carry CBS Sports Network programming.
How do I watch Akron Zips football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state fans can generally watch Akron Zips football with the same national channels and streaming services listed in the TV schedule. College football rights are tied to national, conference, and streaming agreements — not a local home-market package.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
