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Photo by: Jacob Tracy
Toledo Football Names Four Captains for 2026 Season
8/29/2026 4:00:00 PM | Football
Julian Fox, John Alan Richter, Connor Walendzak and Andrew Zock elected by teammates
TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo head football coach Mike Jacobs announced on Saturday that Julian Fox, John Alan Richter, Connor Walendzak and Andrew Zock have been elected team captains for the 2026 season.
The four Rockets were selected by their teammates to provide leadership for Toledo throughout the upcoming season.
"Being elected captain by your teammates is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a player," said Jacobs. "It means your teammates believe in you, trust you and respect the way you represent this football program every day. John Alan, Andrew, Connor and Julian have earned that trust through their work ethic, character and leadership."
Fox, a junior linebacker, is one of 14 Mercer transfers that came to Toledo with Jacobs. He had 85 tackles last season, including 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, three QB hurries and two fumble recoveries. Fox's 89.2 Pro Football Focus Grade was the sixth-best for any linebacker in the FCS and 12th in Division I.Â
Richter, entering his fifth season at Toledo, has thrown for 699 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Walendzak, a senior running back, brings veteran leadership to the Rockets' offense and has been a consistent contributor throughout his Toledo career, with 707 yards of offense and three touchdowns. He has 22 career special teams tackles.Â
Zock, a junior defensive end, joined the Rockets after a standout career at Mercer. He was named the 2025 FCS Defensive Player of the Year, recording 46 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and school-record 23 QB hurries.
"Leadership is not just about what you do on game day," said Jacobs. "It is about how you prepare, how you respond to adversity and how you make the people around you better. These four players have demonstrated those qualities, and we are excited to have them leading our team."
Toledo opens the season at Michigan State on Friday at 8 p.m. on FS1. The Rockets' home opener – "The Biggest Party in Toledo" – against Central Connecticut State is set for Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
Season tickets for the 2026 season are available online, by calling or texting 419-530-GOLD (4653), or by visiting the Rocket Ticket Office at the Sullivan Athletic Complex. Three-game mini-plans are also on sale.
Fans interested in enjoying Toledo football from one of the Glass Bowl's premier viewing areas should make plans soon, as remaining Stadium Club seating availability for the 2026 season is limited. To secure your Stadium Club seats for 2026, please click this link.
The four Rockets were selected by their teammates to provide leadership for Toledo throughout the upcoming season.
"Being elected captain by your teammates is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a player," said Jacobs. "It means your teammates believe in you, trust you and respect the way you represent this football program every day. John Alan, Andrew, Connor and Julian have earned that trust through their work ethic, character and leadership."
Fox, a junior linebacker, is one of 14 Mercer transfers that came to Toledo with Jacobs. He had 85 tackles last season, including 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, three QB hurries and two fumble recoveries. Fox's 89.2 Pro Football Focus Grade was the sixth-best for any linebacker in the FCS and 12th in Division I.Â
Richter, entering his fifth season at Toledo, has thrown for 699 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Walendzak, a senior running back, brings veteran leadership to the Rockets' offense and has been a consistent contributor throughout his Toledo career, with 707 yards of offense and three touchdowns. He has 22 career special teams tackles.Â
Zock, a junior defensive end, joined the Rockets after a standout career at Mercer. He was named the 2025 FCS Defensive Player of the Year, recording 46 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and school-record 23 QB hurries.
"Leadership is not just about what you do on game day," said Jacobs. "It is about how you prepare, how you respond to adversity and how you make the people around you better. These four players have demonstrated those qualities, and we are excited to have them leading our team."
Toledo opens the season at Michigan State on Friday at 8 p.m. on FS1. The Rockets' home opener – "The Biggest Party in Toledo" – against Central Connecticut State is set for Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
Season tickets for the 2026 season are available online, by calling or texting 419-530-GOLD (4653), or by visiting the Rocket Ticket Office at the Sullivan Athletic Complex. Three-game mini-plans are also on sale.
Fans interested in enjoying Toledo football from one of the Glass Bowl's premier viewing areas should make plans soon, as remaining Stadium Club seating availability for the 2026 season is limited. To secure your Stadium Club seats for 2026, please click this link.
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