The 2025 college football season begins with a bang as the Wyoming travel east to face the Akron Zips in an intriguing Week 1 non-conference matchup. The game is set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for TBD time at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field in Akron, Ohio. This battle between a Mountain West powerhouse and a Mid-American Conference (MAC) underdog has all the makings of an early-season test for both programs.
The spotlight will be on how each team has developed during the offseason, especially as they look to set the tone for a long campaign ahead. For Wyoming, it’s about maintaining consistency and positioning themselves as Mountain West contenders. For Akron, it’s about climbing back into competitiveness after years of rebuilding.
📅 Game Information: 🏈 Wyoming at Akron
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: TBD (Evening slot expected)
- Location: InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field, Akron, OH
- TV: CBS Sports Network or ESPN+ (TBD)
- Streaming Options: ESPN App, CBS Sports App, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV
This interconference battle may not carry the same national buzz as Power Five showdowns, but it’s loaded with implications for both teams looking to build early-season momentum.
🏟️ Stadium Spotlight: InfoCision Stadium
InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field, home of the Akron Zips, is a modern venue with a seating capacity of approximately 30,000. Located in the heart of downtown Akron, it provides an energetic and urban setting for MAC football. With passionate home fans eager for a breakout season, the Zips will aim to defend their turf against a formidable Mountain West opponent.
🔍 Team Previews: 🏈 Wyoming at Akron
Wyoming Cowboys: Built on Toughness, Defense, and Running the Ball
Under head coach Jay Sawvel, the Wyoming Cowboys continue to embrace their identity as a gritty, defense-first team with an emphasis on controlling the clock and winning in the trenches. After finishing with a solid record in 2024 and earning a bowl bid, Wyoming has high expectations for 2025.
🔑 Key Players to Watch:
- QB Hank Gibbs: The senior signal-caller returns after a strong 2024, known for his poise and mistake-free football.
- RB Harrison Waylee: A physical and elusive runner, he’ll be key to controlling time of possession.
- WR Wyatt Wieland: Emerging as a big-play threat, especially on deep sideline routes.
- LB Easton Gibbs: The heart of the defense and one of the most feared linebackers in the MWC.
- DL Jordan Bertagnole: Anchors a rugged defensive front that specializes in stuffing the run.
The Cowboys’ physicality and defensive depth will be their biggest weapons on the road.
Akron Zips: Rebuilding with Purpose and Speed
Akron head coach Joe Moorhead, now in his third season, has focused on revamping the Zips with speed, a modern offensive scheme, and recruiting success. While their 2024 campaign had ups and downs, flashes of potential were evident. The 2025 season is viewed as a potential turning point.
🔑 Key Players to Watch:
- QB DJ Irons: Dual-threat quarterback capable of changing games with his legs and arm.
- RB Lorenzo Lingard: A former 5-star recruit looking to finally break out after transfers and injuries.
- WR Daniel George: A reliable target in the short and intermediate game.
- DB AJ Watts: The leader of the secondary with ball-hawking instincts.
- DE Victor Jones: Speed rusher off the edge who could disrupt Wyoming’s game plan.
Akron’s offense is designed to spread teams out and score quickly. If the Zips can establish rhythm, they could catch Wyoming off guard.
⚔️ Key Matchups
Wyoming’s Offensive Line vs. Akron’s Defensive Front
The Cowboys will lean heavily on their run game, and the trenches will determine early control. If Wyoming’s big men up front create holes, Akron’s defense could wear down by the second half.
DJ Irons vs. Wyoming Secondary
If Irons is allowed time in the pocket and lanes to escape, he could put pressure on Wyoming’s linebackers in space. His decision-making under pressure will be key.
Easton Gibbs vs. Akron Backfield
Gibbs is a sideline-to-sideline enforcer. Akron’s RBs must avoid his zone and create mismatches with motion and misdirection.
📈 Betting Preview: Spread, Odds & Prediction
- Spread: Wyoming -10.5
- Over/Under: 47.0
- Moneyline: Wyoming -450, Akron +330
Spread Pick: Wyoming -10.5
Wyoming’s advantage in the trenches, experience at quarterback, and proven coaching discipline give them the edge. Expect the Cowboys to pull away in the second half.
Over/Under Pick: Under 47.0
With both teams leaning toward ball control and defense, especially early in the season, this game may not become a shootout.
⭐ Players to Watch
Easton Gibbs – LB, Wyoming
Arguably the best player on the field, Gibbs leads the defense with IQ, athleticism, and relentless motor.
DJ Irons – QB, Akron
Irons has the talent to flip the game on a single play. If he starts hot, Wyoming could be in for a longer night than expected.
Harrison Waylee – RB, Wyoming
Look for 20+ carries and over 100 yards if the Cowboys execute their game plan.
Daniel George – WR, Akron
A Penn State transfer, George has NFL potential if he connects consistently with Irons.
🧠 Coaching Matchup: Jay Sawvel vs. Joe Moorhead
- Jay Sawvel: A defense-first coach, emphasizing discipline, low turnovers, and smashmouth football. A protégé of Craig Bohl’s system.
- Joe Moorhead: A spread offense innovator who made his name at Penn State and Mississippi State. His system is uptempo, quarterback-centric, and big-play oriented.
Expect a clash of philosophies: conservative control vs. aggressive tempo.
📊 2024 Recap: Team Statistics
Wyoming Cowboys (2024)
- Record: 8–5
- Points/Game: 26.2
- Yards Allowed/Game: 320.1
- Turnover Margin: +5
Akron Zips (2024)
- Record: 3–9
- Points/Game: 20.4
- Yards Allowed/Game: 398.2
- Turnover Margin: -6
Statistically, Wyoming had a significant advantage last season. Akron needs dramatic improvement on both sides of the ball to contend in this matchup.
🕵️♂️ Hidden X-Factors
- Weather Conditions: August heat and humidity in Ohio may play a role in fatigue.
- Turnovers: Whichever team protects the ball better will likely win the field position battle.
- Special Teams: Early in the season, special teams errors can swing momentum.
📌 Why This Game Matters
- For Wyoming: A win puts them on track for bowl contention and provides confidence ahead of tougher MWC play.
- For Akron: A victory would send shockwaves through the MAC and show that Moorhead’s rebuild is taking shape.
Even though it’s an FBS vs. FBS non-conference game, its outcomes have ripple effects on recruiting, team morale, and fan support.
❓ FAQs: 🏈 Wyoming at Akron
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Where is it being played?
InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field, Akron, OH
What time does it start?
Time TBD (likely evening)
Is it televised?
Yes – most likely on CBS Sports Network or ESPN+
What are the betting odds?
Wyoming is favored by 10.5 points
Who are the starting quarterbacks?
Wyoming: Hank Gibbs
Akron: DJ Irons
🏁 Final Score Prediction: Wyoming 27, Akron 13
Expect Wyoming to control the game through time of possession, defense, and smart quarterback play. Akron may flash some offensive potential, but consistency and depth favor the Cowboys.
MVP: Easton Gibbs (Wyoming) – 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Surprise Performer: Daniel George (Akron) – 80+ yards receiving
🧩 Closing Thoughts on 🏈 Wyoming at Akron
As college football’s opening weekend unfolds, the 🏈 Wyoming at Akron matchup will serve as an important tone-setter. Both programs are hunting progress, pride, and postseason dreams. The Cowboys bring physicality and focus; the Zips bring energy and unpredictability.
Don’t overlook this clash—it may quietly become one of the most telling games of Week 1.