TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo football program will take its 2025 preseason training camp on the road, heading to the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, from July 29 through Aug. 6. The Rockets will kick off their first practice at Mount Union on Wednesday, July 30, and conclude camp with a final session on Wednesday, Aug. 6, before returning to Toledo.

Mount Union holds a special place in the Rockets' coaching staff. Head Coach Jason Candle, along with assistant coaches Vince Kehres, Mike Hallett, and Ross Watson, along with assistant strength coach Christian Klinec and director of player development/defensive analyst Brooks Jenkins, are all alumni of the Purple Raiders' program, which has a storied tradition in Division III football.

"It should be a great experience for our team," said Candle, who was a part of five Division III national championships at Mount Union as a player and assistant coach. "The goal will be to connect our team and learn as much football as we can. It's a long preseason camp. This is a great way to start the process of building our team."

The Rockets will stay in campus residence halls throughout camp, fully immersing themselves in a focused training environment. The off-site setting is designed to strengthen team chemistry and minimize distractions as the Rockets prepare for the 2025 season.

"We're in a divided world in college athletics so we're trying to find things that can build team continuity," said Candle. "Sometimes you have to think outside the box. It's not just about getting to Week One (vs. Kentucky). It's about being a team. There are so many ways to promote individuality; this is a good way to promote our team."

The camp schedule includes daily practices, team meetings, and leadership sessions, all aimed at sharpening execution and building camaraderie ahead of the season opener. Toledo's players are excited to be participating in a remote training camp for the first time in school history.

"I'm excited. It will be fun to bring the team together in one spot where we're all in the dorms together," said senior quarterback Tucker Gleason. "Half of our coaching staff played or coached at Mount Union, so there's some great history there. But the most important thing is that we will all be together during fall camp. If you want your team to become close, that's the way to do it."

"It will be a good to get away with the team, enjoy a new environment, compete and have fun," added senior safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

The Rockets return to Toledo following their Aug. 6 practice and will continue preparations on campus leading up to their highly anticipated 2025 campaign.
 
The Rockets, who were picked by the MAC coaches to win the Mid-American Conference Championship this year, 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.
 
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.