Live Blog: MN Golden Gophers take on Akron Zips
Huntington Bank Stadium | September 19, 2026
Follow the live game coverage for the latest score, plays and statistics.
Minnesota Hosts Akron
The Minnesota Golden Gophers host the Akron Zips at Huntington Bank Stadium in a matchup that marks the first meeting between the two football programs.
Minnesota entered the contest with a 1-1 record after opening the season with a 59-7 victory over Eastern Illinois before falling 38-13 to Mississippi State.
Akron also came into the game at 1-1. The Zips opened their season with a loss at Wake Forest before responding with a 45-10 victory over Robert Morris.
First Meeting Between the Programs
Saturday's contest represents the first-ever football meeting between Minnesota and Akron. The Golden Gophers are completing their non-conference schedule before beginning Big Ten play.
The University of Minnesota's official preview lists Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as the venue and an 11 a.m. Central Time kickoff.
Minnesota has also recorded a strong historical mark against teams from the Mid-American Conference, entering the matchup with a 34-4-1 record against MAC opponents.
- Teams: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Akron Zips
- Date: September 19, 2026
- Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT
- Venue: Huntington Bank Stadium
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Conference: Big Ten vs Mid-American Conference
- Minnesota Record: 1-1 entering the game
- Akron Record: 1-1 entering the game
- Series: First meeting
- Television: Big Ten Network
Drake Lindsey Headlines the Gophers Offense
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey entered the Akron matchup after throwing for 543 yards during the opening two games of the season.
Lindsey completed 31 of 48 passes for 279 yards against Mississippi State, giving the young quarterback another opportunity to lead the offense in the home finale of Minnesota's non-conference schedule.
Minnesota will look to establish rhythm through the passing game while also trying to produce more consistency on the ground.
Akron Arrives After a Big Win
The Zips arrived in Minneapolis after defeating Robert Morris 45-10 in their previous game. Quarterback Cibastian Broughton has been one of the players to watch for Akron after producing both passing and rushing yardage early in the season.
Akron's offense has shown the ability to move quickly and spread the ball among several players. The Zips will now face a Minnesota team looking to respond following its loss to Mississippi State.
Minnesota Looks to Finish Non-Conference Play
For Minnesota, the Akron matchup is the final non-conference game before the Gophers travel to Washington for the opening of their Big Ten schedule.
A strong performance would give the team an opportunity to build momentum before conference play begins. The Gophers are scheduled to face Washington on September 26 before hosting Michigan on October 3.
Live Updates From Huntington Bank Stadium
This live blog follows the action from Minneapolis, including scoring plays, major drives, turnovers, player performances and other important developments.
Because this is a live sporting event, the score and statistics can change throughout the game. Readers should check the official Minnesota Athletics game center for the latest real-time information.
Official Video & Game Coverage
▶ Minnesota vs Akron — Official Video
University of Minnesota Athletics is providing official video, game-day clips and coverage surrounding the Minnesota-Akron matchup.
WATCH OFFICIAL GOPHERS COVERAGEVideo Credit: University of Minnesota Athletics.
Where to Follow the Game
The matchup is scheduled for television coverage on Big Ten Network. Minnesota's official Gopher Sports website also provides game-day information, live statistics, audio and other team resources.
The official Game Day Central page contains the latest information for Minnesota vs Akron, including the venue, schedule and game-day coverage.
Why This Game Matters
Minnesota entered the contest at 1-1 and is looking to close the non-conference portion of the schedule before turning toward Big Ten competition.
Akron also entered with a 1-1 record, making the game an important early-season test for both programs.
The matchup also creates a new chapter in the history of the two programs because Minnesota and Akron had never previously met on the football field.
Official Sources & Backlinks
University of Minnesota Athletics:
Minnesota vs Akron Game Preview
Minnesota Game Day Central:
Official Minnesota vs Akron Game Day Central
University of Minnesota Football:
Official Gopher Football Website
FOX 9 Minneapolis:
Live Blog: MN Golden Gophers take on Akron Zips
Minnesota Star Tribune:
Minnesota Star Tribune
Big Ten:
Official Big Ten Website
FOX Sports:
Akron vs Minnesota Viewing Information
