Akron was picked third in the MAC men’s basketball preseason poll, while seniors Evan Mahaffey and Tahj Staveski earned spots on the preseason All-MAC second team. The Zips enter 2026-27 after three straight MAC Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.

By the Numbers
  • Akron received 110 points, 7 behind second-place Toledo and 20 behind top-ranked Miami.
  • Mahaffey averaged 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season.
  • Staveski averaged 17.3 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game at Incarnate Word.
Yes, But

Akron’s recent run of conference and NCAA success sets a high bar, but the preseason poll puts the Zips behind Miami and Toledo. The ranking is a forecast, not a measure of how the season will finish.

What's Next

Akron begins its 2026-27 campaign with Mahaffey and Staveski among the players expected to lead the team. Their preseason recognition offers an early signal of their importance to the Zips’ title defense.

Bottom Line

Akron has earned respect after three consecutive MAC titles, but it will need to prove it can stay ahead of Miami and Toledo while pursuing a fourth straight championship.