Chippewas Host Akron for Homecoming Game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 3

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

3:30 p.m.

Central Michigan University

Akron

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Chippewas Host Akron for Homecoming Game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

9/30/2026 3:26:00 PM | Football

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Chippewas are 6-1 at home under coach Matt Drinkall upon entering their MAC opener against Akron.

By: Greg Hotchkiss

GAME 5: AKRON (1-3, 0-0 MAC) AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (2-2, 0-0 MAC)
2026 HOMECOMING GAME/MAC OPENER
Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 3:32 p.m. ET • Mount Pleasant, Mich. • Kelly/Shorts Stadium (30,255)

SATURDAY MATCHUP

Television: ESPN+ (Evan Stockton, play-by-play; Barrett Brooks, color analyst; Sam Ramos, producer)

Chippewa Sports Radio Network: Adam Jaksa, play-by-play; Brock Gutierrez, color analyst; spotter: Steve Powers; hosts: Nathan Arbaugh, Kyle Sandel.

Live Stats: visit https://cmuchippewas.com/sidearmstats/football/summary

CMU Social Media: Twitter (@cmu_football); Facebook (@cmufootball); Instagram (cmufootball); Website: www.cmuchippewas.com.

Coaches: Central Michigan-Matt Drinkall, 2^nd year at CMU (9-8), 7^th year overall (51-25), 23^rd year in coaching. Akron: Joe Moorhead, 5^th year at Akron (14-38), 11^th year overall (58-63).

Series: Central Michigan and Akron meet for the 32^nd time in series history. Central Michigan holds a 19-11-1 advantage in the series and has won 10 of the series' last 12 contests and three of the series' last four games. CMU has won five straight and is 11-4 vs. Akron at home. The Zips won the last meeting, a 28-22 decision on Oct. 4, 2025 in Akron.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME NOTES

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.–Central Michigan (2-2, 0-0 MAC) opens Mid-American Conference play when it hosts Akron (1-3, 0-0 MAC) for its 100th Homecoming Game on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET for an ESPN+ broadcast.

Central Michigan opens league play after having won three consecutive MAC opening games dating back to 2023. All three of those games were played at home.

Central Michigan concluded nonconference play with a 2-2 record for the fourth consecutive season. The Chippewas return home following a 52-3 loss at No. 6/5 Miami, Fla. last Saturday. CMU jumped out a 3-0 lead on a career-long 49-yard field goal by Caden VanHuis, but the national runner-up Hurricanes totaled 572 yards of offense and quarterback Darian Mensah threw three touchdown passes and 338 yards and completed 23 of 27 passes. The Chippewas completed 80.7 percent (21-26) of their passes for 137 yards. The 80.7 completion percentage ranks as the third highest completion percentage in Central Michigan's game history. Jadyn Glasser completed 13-15 passes for 88 yards, 11 Chippewas caught passes, and Darrell Bryant, Jr. (seven tackles), Jaxon Cherry (six tackles, 1.0 sack), and Brett McCalla (six tackles) led the defense. Miami was the highest ranked team CMU has played since it was at No. 2/2 Michigan State on Sept. 26, 2015.

Riding a two-game home win streak, Central Michigan claimed a 24-10 win over Wyoming at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Sept. 19. Quarterback Angel Flores led Central Michigan to its 24-10 victory over Wyoming as he set career-highs for rushing yards (163), attempts 28), all-purpose yards (163), and total yards (195). Flores keyed the Chippewas' rushing attack that accumulated 339 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns on 59 carries (5.7 average per carry). The 339 rushing yards represented the most for CMU since it rushed for 352 yards vs. New Mexico State on Oct. 12, 2019. As they did in all seven wins last year, Central Michigan jumped out to an early lead, taking a 17-0 halftime advantage and coasting to the win. The Chippewas took advantage of mistake-free football and dominated time of possession (35:48). CMU's defense also tallied two turnovers and limited the Cowboys to only 113 yards in the first half.

Central Michigan registered a 13-10 come-from-behind victory over Colgate on Sept. 12. It marked head coach Matt Drinkall's first come-from-behind win at Central Michigan. Playing in their second contest of the 2026 season, the Chippewas trailed 10-0 at halftime, but gained 180 of their 276 total yards and put together scoring drives of 87 and 65 yards in the second half. CMU's defense shut out the Raiders through the second half. Quarterback Angel Flores tallied his second career 100-yard rushing game, scored on a career-long 50-yard run, and rushed for 122 yards on 22 carries. Running back Vaughn Blue scored the game-winning touchdown, the first of his CMU career, on a 6-yard run with 7:29 to play. The Chippewas defense intercepted two passes in the fourth quarter, one by Darrell Bryant, Jr., and the other by Mayson Hitchens, and finished the day with four turnovers gained (two interceptions/two forced fumbles/fumble recoveries). Hunter Zirkle led the Chippewas with 1.0 sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery on the same play, made four tackles and finished with four quarterback hurries.

With seven wins in 2025, Central Michigan advanced to a bowl game for the first time in four seasons (since the 2021 season). The Chippewas made their 16th all-time bowl game appearance at the GameAbove Sports Bowl against Northwestern at Ford Field in Detroit. With seven victories, the Chippewas won more games than they did in each of the previous three seasons (4 in 2022, 5 in 2023, and 4 in 2024). CMU's seven wins were its most since it went 9-4 in 2021. In all seven wins, Central Michigan limited its opponents to 20 points or less. CMU was 7-2 when leading at halftime, 6-3 when leading at the end of the first quarter, 6-2 when leading time of possession, and 4-1 in home games.

Central Michigan returned a total of 13 starters from last year's team, 10 on offense and three on defense. The Chippewas added 36 transfers to their roster.

Ranked as one of the nation's top 40 winningest FBS programs of all time, Central Michigan placed 12 players on preseason 2026 National Football League rosters.

TODAY'S TOP STORYLINES
•   With a 2-2 overall record, Central Michigan opens MAC play vs. Akron on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
•   CMU has won two straight home games and is 6-1 under Matt Drinkall at home. The Chippewas are 28-11 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium since 2019.
•   The contest marks CMU's 100th all-time Homecoming game since the tradition began on Nov. 22, 1924. CMU is 62-35-2 and has won four of its last six on Homecoming since 2019.
•   CMU is coming off a 2025 campaign in which it finished 7-6 overall, 5-3 in the MAC, and advanced to a bowl game for the first time in four years (since 2021).

PRESEASON EXPECTATIONS

Central Michigan entered its 2026 season with lofty expectations. Preseason magazines picked the Chippewas to finish somewhere between the No. 3 and No. 6 spots in the 13-team Mid-American Conference. All of the publications have CMU listed as "bowl bound."

Mid-American Conference coaches picked Central Michigan to finish fifth in their annual preseason poll.

Here is a look at where each preseason publication picked the Chippewas to finish:
3rd place • Athlon Magazine
4th place • Lindy's Magazine
5th place • MAC coaches
5th place • ESPN.com
5th place • The Sporting News Magazine
6th place • Phil Steele Magazine

HOME SWEET HOME

Central Michigan enjoys a tremendous home field advantage on Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. CMU is 2-0 at home this season and 6-1 under head coach Matt Drinkall.

The Chippewas finished 4-1 in 2025 and have won seven of their last eight contests. Since 2019, the Chippewas are a combined 28-11 (.718 win percentage) within the confines of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Chippewas have won 10 of their last 13 and 14 of their last 18 home contests.

The last time CMU completed a season with an undefeated home record was when it went 6-0 in 2019 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The last several seasons, CMU went 1-2 in 2020, 5-1 in 2021, 2-4 in 2022, 4-1 in 2023, 3-2 in 2024, 4-1 in 2025, and now 2-0 in 2026.

Since 1950, CMU has registered 13 undefeated seasons at home: 1953 (4-0), 1954 (4-0), 1955 (4-0), 1956 (4-0), 1967 (4-0), 1970 (4-0), 1977 (5-0), 1979 (5-0), 1980 (6-0), 1994 (5-0), 1998 (5-0), 2009 (5-0), and 2019 (6-0).

Since Kelly/Shorts Stadium opened in 1972, Central Michigan is 190-90-4 in 282 games. In MAC games, the Chippewas are 143-70-4 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

SERIES VS. AKRON

Central Michigan and Akron meet for the 32nd time in college football. Central Michigan holds a 19-11-1 advantage in the series and has won 10 of the series' last 12 contests and three of the series' last four games. The Zips claimed the last meeting, a 28-22 decision on Oct. 4, 2025 in Akron.

In home games, CMU is 11-4 all-time vs. Akron. The Chippewas have won five consecutive home games vs. the Zips dating back to a 40-28 loss on Nov. 8, 2003.

In 22 MAC meetings, Central Michigan owns a 15-7 advantage. Since 1998, Central Michigan has won 13 of the 16 meetings.

Central Michigan hosts Akron for a Homecoming Game for the third time. CMU is 2-0 vs. the Zips on Homecoming.

A WIN OVER AKRON WOULD…
•   Give Central Michigan a 3-2 overall record and 1-0 start in MAC play.
•   Give Central Michigan its fourth consecutive win in a MAC opener (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026).
•   Give Central Michigan its fourth victory over Akron in five games and its 11th win in the last 13 meetings.
•   Improve CMU to 20-11-1 all-time vs. Akron, 12-4 vs. Akron in home games
•   Give Central Michigan its sixth consecutive home win over Akron.

CMU SUCCESS IN MAC OPENERS

Central Michigan enters its 2026 MAC opener against Akron after having won three consecutive league openers. All three of those have been home games:

Date	MAC Opponent	Result
Sept. 30, 2023	Eastern Michigan	W, 26-23
Sept. 21, 2024	Ball State	W, 37-34
Sept. 27, 2025	Eastern Michigan	W, 24-13

FOURTH DOWN FRENZY

Central Michigan has converted 8 of its 9 fourth down conversions on the season. That percentage ranks No. 1 in the MAC and No. 7 in national statistics.

In addition, the Chippewas have converted seven consecutive fourth down conversions dating back to the fourth quarter of the New Mexico game. Some have been clutch plays to keep drives alive, but three of those conversions have gone for touchdowns, including a 23-yard run by Nasir Williams at New Mexico, a 50-yard run by Angel Flores vs. Colgate, and a 1-yard run before halftime vs. Wyoming.

FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS BY GAME

Game	A-C	Touchdowns
New Mexico	2-3	1 TD (23 yd run)
Colgate	3-3	1 TD (50 yd run)
Wyoming	3-3	1 TD (1 yd run)
Miami, Fla.	0-0	--
Totals	8-9	3 TDs

HOMECOMING NOTES
•   Central Michigan will play its 100th all-time Homecoming game on Saturday.
•   Homecoming began on Nov. 22, 1924 vs. Alma, a 13-0 victory. The contest marks the 102nd anniversary at Homecoming at Central Michigan.
•   Central Michigan enters the game with a 62-35-2 record in 99 Homecoming games. The Chippewas are 33-20 all-time at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Homecoming games.
•   Central Michigan has won four of its last six Homecoming games dating back to 2019.
•   It is the third time CMU will play Akron in a Homecoming game and the Chippewas are 2-0 previously vs. the Zips.
•   From 1986-93, Central Michigan won 17 consecutive Homecoming games. Through the years, CMU has registered 17 shutouts on Homecoming.
•   Last year, Central Michigan defeated Massachusetts 38-13 before 20,489 fans on Homecoming.

NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE CONCLUDES

For the fourth consecutive year, Central Michigan concluded its nonconference schedule with a 2-2 record.

FLORES AMONG TOP QB RUSHERS

Central Michigan's Angel Flores enters the fifth week of the 2026 season ranked No. 49 nationally in rushing yards per game and No. 46 in total rushing yards. He leads the MAC in both categories. Among national quarterbacks, Flores is No. 5 in rushing yards and No. 7 in rushing yards per game. Here is where he stands among national quarterbacks:

TOTAL RUSHING YARDS

Rk.	Player, School	Att.-Yards	TD
10.	Michael Hawkins, West Virginia	72-425	9
15.	Jaccuri Brown, Rice	71-399	2
23.	Caden Creel, Jacksonville State	76-375	3
26.	Mason McKenzie, Boston College	74-363	3
46.	Angel Flores, Central Michigan	63-320	3

RUSHING YARDS PER GAME

Rk.	Player, School	Avg.	GP
11.	Michael Hawkins, West Virginia	106.3	4
12.	Liam Szarka, Air Force	103.3	3
16.	Jacurri Brown, Rice	99.8	4
20.	Braxton Woodson, Navy	98.7	3
28.	Mason McKenzie, Boston College	90.8	4
45.	Cale Hellums, Army	82.0	3
49.	Angel Flores, Central Michigan	80.0	4

Note: rank refers to overall national rank

CMU IN NATIONAL STATISTICS

Through three games, Central Michigan is ranked among the nation's top 35 in four statistical categories:

•   No. 7 in fourth down conversion percentage (88.9).
•   No. 29 in passes intercepted (4).
•   No. 31 in kickoff returns (24.50).
•   No. 35 in turnovers gained (6).

In addition, several individuals were ranked among the nation's top 35 in three statistical categories:

•   Korver Demma, No. 11 in fumbles recovered (1).
•   Hunter Zirkle, No. 11 in fumbles recovered (1).
•   Declan Duley, No. 30 in punting (42.8).
•   Hunter Zirkle, No. 35 in forced fumbles (0.33).

MIAMI, FLA. POST-GAME NOTES

The Central Michigan loss...
•   Drops the Chippewas to 2-2 overall. Central Michigan completes nonconference play with a 2-2 record for the fourth consecutive season.
•   Ends Central Michigan's win streak at two games. The Chippewas previously defeated Colgate (13-10) and Wyoming (24-10) at home. The Chippewas open MAC play next week at home vs. Akron on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
•   Drops Central Michigan to 0-2 all-time vs. Miami, Fla.

Team Notes
•   Central Michigan took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter on a 49-yard field goal by Caden VanHuis. The field goal was scored after an 11-play, 57-yard drive, spanning 5:27.
•   With its first lead at 3-0, Central Michigan was the first team to take a lead against Miami, Fla. this season.
•   Central Michigan completed 80.7 percent of its passes (21-26) for 137 yards. The 80.7 completion percentage ranks tied for the third highest game completion percentage in school history. Eleven players caught passes for the Chippewas.
•   Miami, Fla. finished with 572 yards of total offense, 31 first downs, and passed for 371 yards on 27 of 34 completions.
•   The Hurricanes also finished with 13 penalties for 107 yards. The 13 penalties tied for the fourth-most penalties for an opponent in school history.
•   Central Michigan lost the turnover battle 3-0, losing two fumbles and throwing an interception. For only the second time in the last 17 games, it did not gain a turnover.
•   CMU's defense finished with three pass breakups, 5.0 tackles for loss for 22 yards, one forced fumble, and two sacks for 18 yards.
•   The time of possession was nearly even as Miami, Fla. held a slight edge: 31:10-28:50.
•   Miami, Fla.'s nine play, 97-yard scoring drive in the second quarter ranks as the 14th longest scoring drive for an opponent in school history.

Player Notes
•   Quarterback Angel Flores made his fourth consecutive start. He finished with three carries for eight yards and completed 5-7 passes for 20 yards.
•   Quarterback Jadyn Glasser completed 13 of 15 passes for 88 yards. He completed 86.7 percent of his passes, which ranks No. 7 on CMU's list of highest percentage of passes completed in a game.
•   Quarterback Marcus Beamon saw action in his second game. He finished 3-4 for 29 yards and completed a 24-yard pass to Tayte Vanderleest in the second quarter.
•   Running back Nick Woodford rushed for a career-high 21 yards on six carries and caught a career-best five passes for 15 yards. Woodford led the Chippewas in all purpose yards.
•   Wide receiver Tayte Vanderleest caught the longest pass of his career, 24 yards, in the second quarter.
•   Defensive back Darrell Bryant, Jr. led the Chippewas with seven tackles (four solo).
•   Defensive lineman Jaxon Cherry registered his first career sack for 10 yards in Miami, Fla.'s first drive. He also finished with a career-high six tackles (three solo).
•   Defensive lineman Nathan VanTimmeren had the first sack of his career, an 8-yard loss in the fourth quarter.
•   Defensive back Coen Ali finished with a career-high five tackles (three solo) and a career-high 1.5 tackles for loss for two yards. He also forced a Miami, Fla. fumble.
•   Placekicker Caden VanHuis converted a career-long 49-yard field goal in the first quarter. He is now 2-3 on the year on field goals. The 49-yard field goal was CMU's longest since Tristan Mattson converted a 51-yard field goal at Eastern Michigan on Oct. 19, 2024, 21 games ago.
•   Punter Declan Duley averaged 46.2 yards per punt (5-231), placed one punt inside the 20-yard line, and kicked a 63 yarder, which ranks as the second longest of his career. The 63-yard punt ranks as the No. 30th longest punt in school history.

Miscellaneous
•   No. 6/5 Miami, Fla. was the highest ranked opponent Central Michigan faced in 11 years and since it played at No. 2/2 Michigan State on Sept. 26, 2015.
•   The contest marked the second meeting between Central Michigan and Miami, Fla. It was Central Michigan's second game against Miami, Fla. in Miami. In the previous meeting, Miami, Fla. won a 17-12 decision over CMU on Sept. 21, 2019.
•   Central Michigan wore white jerseys with maroon pants.
•   The contest was televised nationally on The CW.
•   Central Michigan opens MAC play next Saturday against Akron for its 100th all-time Homecoming Game. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. at Kramer/Deromedi Field.