DETROIT, Mich. – The Toledo football team has been picked to finish in first place in the Mid-American Conference in a vote by the league's head coaches. The preseason poll was released today at the conference's annual Football Media Day held at Ford Field in Detroit.
Toledo received seven first-place votes for a total of 135 points. Miami, which had three first-place votes and 131 points, was picked to finish second. Six coaches picked Toledo to win the MAC Championship Game, while four chose Miami and three voted for Ohio. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.
The top two teams in the league standings will face off in the MAC Championship Game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 6 at noon. Toledo and Miami will meet in Oxford, Ohio on Nov. 12.
Head Coach
Jason Candle downplayed the importance of preseason polls, instead focusing on the day-to-day preparation required for a championship program.
"The expectations are in our own locker room," said Candle, who needs just one win to become Toledo's all-time leader in victories. "We are very process-driven. We have to put together good days in practice. You can't worry about the future. Our challenges remain in the present."
The Rockets open the season at SEC foe Kentucky on Aug. 30 before returning to Toledo for their home opener, "The Biggest Party in Toledo," vs. Western Kentucky on Sept. 6. Contests vs. Morgan State (Sept. 13) and the Homecoming game vs. Akron (Sept. 27) round out action in the Glass Bowl in September.
The Rockets return four All-MAC players from last season's 8-5 squad, plus senior quarterback
Tucker Gleason, who threw for 2,808 yards and 24 TDs. Gleason's top target was first-team All-MAC wide receiver
Junior Vandeross III, who led Toledo with 85 receptions last year. Vandeross was also named GameAbove Sports Bowl MVP following a 12-reception and 194-yard performance in the Rockets' 48-46 six-overtime win vs. Pitt.
Season tickets are on sale now. To order tickets or for more information, please visit
UTRockets.com/fbtix, call/text 419.530.GOLD (4653) or stop by the Rocket Ticket Office located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena during office hours.
2025 MAC Football Head Coaches Preseason Poll (first place votes)
1. Toledo (7) --
135 points
2. Miami (3) -- 131 points
3. Ohio (3) -- 123 points
4. Buffalo -- 115 points
5. Northern Illinois -- 94 points
6. Bowling Green -- 81 points
7. Western Michigan -- 71 points
8. Eastern Michigan -- 68 points
9. Central Michigan -- 65 points
10. Ball State -- 41 points
T-11. Akron -- 39 points
T-11. Massachusetts -- 39 points
13. Kent State -- 12 points
MAC Championship Game Winner: Toledo (6), Miami (4), Ohio (3).
