Where Akron basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions
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Where Akron basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions
Chris Beaven, Akron Beacon Journal·Akron Beacon Journal
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3 min read
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Editor's note:This story was updated at noon with the latest bracket predictions and again early Sunday evening after Akron's first-round opponent was announced.
Akronhad never made it intoMarch Madnessin back-to-back seasons until a year ago. The 29-5 Zips are also the first men's team to win three straight MAC Tournaments.
This will be Akron's eighth trip overall to the tournament and the Zips are seeking their first win.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
1/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
1/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
2/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
3/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
4/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
5/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
6/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
7/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
8/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
9/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
10/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
11/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
12/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
13/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
14/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
15/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
16/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
17/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
18/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
19/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
20/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
21/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
22/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
23/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
24/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
25/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
26/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
27/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
28/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Darryn Peterson, Kansas vs. Akron?
Joe Rexrode's bracket for The Athleticthis morning presents an intriguing first-round matchup for Akron: theDarryn Peterson-led Kansas Jayhawks. Peterson became a basketball phenom growing up in the Canton/Akron area, starring for two seasons at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy before playing his final two seasons of high school basketball out of state. He's been projected by many to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His father, Darryl Peterson, starred for theAkron Zipsfrom 2001-06, becoming a 1,000-point scorer.
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The Athletic bracket has a fifth-seeded Kansas playing 12th-seeded Akron in a West Region first-round game in Tampa.
Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena.
Both thebracket of CBS Sports' Jerry PalmandESPN's Joe Lunardiwere in agreement late Saturday when it came to Akron's seed, opponent and region. Both had the Zips as a 12 seed playing fifth-seeded St. John's in the East Region. Lunardi's bracket has the game in Tampa, the Palm bracket has no game sites.
By Sunday afternoon, though, the Palm bracket had kept the Zips as 12 seed, but moved them to the West Region where the fifth seed is projected asWisconsin. The Lunardi bracket still has Akron playing St. John's in the 5-12 game.
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St. John's was the Big East's regular-season and tournament champion, going 28-6. The Red Storm routed UConn 72-52 in the Big East title game Saturday.
St. John's men's basketball head coach Rick Pitino and guard Dylan Darling celebrate in the closing moments of the second half of the Big East title game against UConn, March 14, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.
The USA Today's latest bracket, at 11:43 a.m. Sunday, has the Zips as a 12 seed in the East Region playing fifth-seeded Alabama in Philadelphia. The other half of the bracket has fourth-seeded St. John's playing 13th-seeded Hofstra in Philadelphia.Alabama was upset 80-79 by Ole Missin the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. The Alabama is 23-9 and the Crimson Tide finished second in the SEC during the regular season.
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Anearlier USA Today brackethad Akron as an 11 seed playing sixth-seeded North Carolina in Oklahoma City in the Midwest Region. North Carolina is 24-8 after losing its final game of the regular season (to Duke) and its first game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament (to Clemson in the quarterfinals). The Tar Heels also are without star freshman forwardCaleb Wilson, who is done for the season after breaking his right thumb March 5.
The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
