JP+ One-Sheet
Akron
Mid-American | 2026
Projected Wins
4.7Team Thesis
Akron Returns Its Quarterback, But the Line and Targets Around Him Have to Be Rebuilt. Ben Finley is back at quarterback, and that continuity matters given how much else around him has turned over.
Model Profile
#127
JP+ Rank
#127
Offense
#126
Defense
Why JP+ Is Higher
4.5
Market
4.7
JP+
3.7
SP+
Roster Snapshot
Season Path
Cliff risk
28% to start 3-3 or better. Bowl path 28%. Collapse risk 7% (2 or fewer wins). Schedule is back-loaded by -0.6 wins through the first six. Biggest shift Wk3: 85% to 7%.
Bull Case
6-6If Burris and the retooled receiver corps give Finley functional targets and the line settles by midseason, Akron can push past 4.8 and put a fe…
Bear Case
3-9If the trench issues linger and the passing game struggles to replace Polk's production, the floor could look a lot like last year's five-win fi…
Mid-American Context
| Team | JP+ | Market | SP+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | 8.2 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Miami (OH) | 7.5 | 7.5 | 8.4 |
| Western Michigan | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.4 |
| Ohio | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Buffalo | 6.3 | -- | 7.0 |
| Bowling Green | 5.6 | 4.5 | 5.3 |
| Akron | 4.7 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
| Kent State | 4.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |