Akron Zips

The Akron Zips represent the University of Akron in the Mid-American Conference, playing home games at InfoCision Stadium. Named for the rubber Zipper boots once manufactured in the city's tire industry, the Zips have historically been one of the MAC's underdog programs, with their 2005 conference title standing as the high point of the modern era.

Akron's football program dates back to 1891 when the school was known as Buchtel College. The team became the 'Zippers' in 1926, later shortened to 'Zips,' and joined the Mid-American Conference as a full FBS member in 1992. Akron won its first MAC championship in 2005 on a last-second field goal against Northern Illinois, also earning the program's first bowl appearance that season.