Akron Zips Basketball Aims for First NCAA Tournament Win

The University of Akron's basketball team has become a March Madness mainstay, but is still seeking its first tournament victory.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:50am

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The University of Akron's basketball team, known as the Zips, has become a consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament in recent years, making appearances in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Located in the "Rubber Capital of the World" just south of Cleveland, Akron has proven it can compete with top programs despite its smaller-conference status in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Zips are now set to face 5-seed Texas Tech in the 2026 tournament, looking to finally break through and secure the first NCAA Tournament win in school history.

Why it matters

Akron's basketball success has put the university and the city of Akron on the national map, showing that a smaller program from the MAC can consistently challenge high-major opponents in March Madness. A tournament win would be a historic milestone for the Zips and further cement their status as an emerging power in college basketball.

The details

Under head coach John Groce, the Akron Zips have made four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last five seasons, including a current run of three straight bids from 2024 to 2026. Despite these consistent showings, the team is still seeking its first tournament victory, having fallen to the likes of UCLA, Creighton, and Arizona in recent years. In 2026, Akron became the first MAC team to win three consecutive conference tournament championships, earning a 12-seed in the Midwest Region and a matchup with 5-seed Texas Tech.

  • Akron made its Division I tournament debut in 1986.
  • The Zips returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2009, beginning a period of sustained regional dominance.
  • Akron has qualified for the tournament in four of the last five seasons, including a current run of three straight bids from 2024 to 2026.
  • In 2026, Akron became the first team in MAC history to win three consecutive conference tournament championships.

The players

John Groce

The head coach of the Akron Zips basketball team, who has led the program to consistent NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years.

Bob Huggins

The former head coach of the Akron Zips, who led the team to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1986.

Keith Dambrot

The former head coach of the Akron Zips, who guided the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances between 2009 and 2013.

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What’s next

The Akron Zips are set to face 5-seed Texas Tech in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on March 20 in Tampa, Florida, as they look to secure the first tournament win in program history.

The takeaway

Akron's consistent success in the NCAA Tournament, despite its smaller-conference status, has proven that a program from the MAC can compete with the nation's elite teams. A tournament win would be a historic milestone for the Zips and the city of Akron, further cementing their status as an emerging power in college basketball.