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Akron and Kent State Clash for Coveted Wagon Wheel Trophy
11 Nov
Summary
- Akron and Kent State football teams to play for Wagon Wheel trophy
- Akron leads all-time series 37-28-2, but Kent State won last 4 meetings
- Akron QB Ben Finley had standout performance in last year's 38-17 win
On November 11th, 2025, the University of Akron and Kent State University football teams will renew their decades-old rivalry as they compete for the Wagon Wheel trophy at InfoCision Stadium. Akron, currently ranked 8th in the 13-team Mid-American Conference (MAC) with a 4-6 record (3-3 in conference), will host 9th-place Kent State, who holds a 3-6 overall record (2-3 in MAC).
The two teams have faced off against four common opponents in the MAC this season, with Akron defeating winless Massachusetts 44-10 on November 4th, while Kent State had previously beaten UMass 42-6 on October 11th. Akron also defeated Buffalo 24-16 on October 25th, while Kent State lost to the Bulls 31-28 on September 13th.
Akron holds the all-time series lead over Kent State at 37-28-2, with the Wagon Wheel trophy being introduced in 1946. However, Kent State has won the last four meetings in the series, including a victory in 2022. Akron's current head coach, Joe Moorhead, is 2-1 against Kent State, with the Zips prevailing 31-27 in 2023 and 38-17 in 2024.
In last year's 38-17 Akron victory, quarterback Ben Finley had a standout performance, completing 14 of 29 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown. Akron's defense also played a key role, with Elijah Reed recording seven tackles and one interception.
