Akron opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball campaign with a home exhibition against Youngstown State on Tuesday, giving fans a first look at new head coach Dustin Ford’s team. The Zips, picked third in the MAC preseason poll, will use the game to assess their lineup and build toward the regular season.

By the Numbers
  • Akron leads the regular-season series, 59-32.
  • The Zips have won 8 of the last 9 regular-season meetings.
  • Akron and Youngstown State have played 91 regular-season games.
  • Tipoff is Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. ET.
Yes, But

Akron has the stronger regular-season history, but Youngstown State won last year’s exhibition, 84-78, after overcoming a nine-point halftime deficit.

What’s Next

Akron begins regular-season play Nov. 2 at Louisiana in the MAC-SBC Challenge, then hosts Muskingum on Nov. 9 for its home opener and a celebration of last season’s championship.

Bottom Line

Tuesday’s exhibition is an early test for a retooled Akron squad—and a chance to see how Ford’s team is taking shape before the games count.