The Akron Zips (1-3) visit the Central Michigan Chippewas (2-2) on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN+ (streaming). DraftKings lists the spread at CMU -6 with a total of 47.5; moneylines are Akron +185 · Central Michigan -225. Below is our Akron vs Central Michigan preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Akron vs Central Michigan Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Akron at Central Michigan |
| Records | Akron 1-3 · Central Michigan 2-2 |
| Spread | CMU -6 |
| Moneyline | Akron +185 · Central Michigan -225 |
| Total | 47.5 |
| Venue | Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 3:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN+ (streaming) |
| Head Coaches | Akron: HC Joe Moorhead, OC Joe Moorhead · Central Michigan: HC Matt Drinkall, OC Jim Chapin / Derek Fulton |
Akron Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Akron Zips are 1-3 overall. Results to date: Sep 3 — L 38-16 at Wake Forest; Sep 12 — W 45-10 vs Robert Morris; Sep 19 — L 41-7 at Minnesota; Sep 26 — L 38-10 vs UNLV. Most recently, Akron lost to UNLV 38-10 at home. Through 4 games, Akron is averaging 19.5 points scored and 31.8 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Joe Moorhead (head coach since 2022). Joe Moorhead also serves as offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator: Tim Tibesar.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Brayden Roggow (QB) — 38/63, 425 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
- Rushing leader: Jordan Gant (RB) — 44 carries, 187 yards, 2 TD
- Receiving leader: Marcel Williams (WR) — 18 receptions, 165 yards
- Sacks leader: Omari Abor (DE) — 1 sack
- Tackles leader: Donelius Johnson (LB) — 34 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Brayden Roggow (38/63, 425 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT). Questions: A defense giving up 31.8 points per game; an offense averaging 19.5 points per game; the response to a 38-10 loss to UNLV.
Central Michigan Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Central Michigan Chippewas are 2-2 overall. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 38-7 at New Mexico; Sep 12 — W 13-10 vs Colgate; Sep 19 — W 24-10 vs Wyoming; Sep 26 — L 52-3 at Miami. Most recently, Central Michigan lost to Miami 52-3 on the road. Through 4 games, Central Michigan is averaging 11.8 points scored and 27.5 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Matt Drinkall (head coach since 2025). Offensive coordinators: Jim Chapin / Derek Fulton. Defensive coordinator: Sean Cronin.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Angel Flores (QB) — 19/33, 123 yards, 2 INT
- Rushing leader: Angel Flores (QB) — 63 carries, 320 yards, 3 TD
- Receiving leader: Justin Ruffin Jr. (WR) — 7 receptions, 46 yards
- Sacks leader: Jaxon Cherry (DL) — 1.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Xavier White (LB) — 35 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Angel Flores (19/33, 123 yards, 2 INT). Questions: A defense allowing 27.5 points per game; an offense averaging 11.8 points per game; the response to a 52-3 loss at Miami.
How to Watch Akron vs Central Michigan
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET
- Venue: Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI
- TV / Streaming: ESPN+ (streaming)
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN on September 28, 2026. Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.