Akron football will honor late coaching legend Jim Dennison vs. UNLV

With a nod to the University of Akron football program's historic 1976 season, the Zips will honor the late coaching legend Jim Dennison when they host UNLV on Saturday, Sept. 26.

On Monday, Sept. 14, Akron (1-1) unveiled plans for a Dennison tribute and announced its kickoff time against UNLV (1-2) has been set for noon Sept. 26 at InfoCision Stadium. The game will be televised by ESPN+.

Nearly 50 ago, Akron finished as the NCAA Division II national runner-up while being guided by Dennison, who died on Jan. 5, 2026, at the age of 87.

Members of the 1976 team will reunite later this month for what UA is calling "The Jim Dennison PMA Game" against UNLV. Dennison was known for his coaching philosophy centered on "positive mental attitude," also referred to as "PMA."

Akron Zips vs Robert Morris: Photos from 2026 home opener

On Nov. 27, 1976, Akron routed UNLV 27-6 in a quarterfinal of the Division II playoffs. On Dec. 4, 1976, Akron defeated Northern Michigan 29-26 in overtime of a Division II semifinal. Both games were held at the Rubber Bowl.

Akron then traveled to Wichita Falls, Texas, where UA fell 24-13 to Montana State in the Division II national championship game on Dec. 11, 1976.

A native of Medina County, Dennison led Akron for 13 years and Walsh University for the first 18 seasons of the program's existence, compiling a collegiate head coaching record of 199-139-2. He is the winningest football coach in Akron and Walsh history.

Akron Zips football 2026 schedule and scores. What time does Akron play UNLV? Where to watch Akron vs. UNLV football

Thursday, Sept. 3 : lost 38-16 at Wake Forest

Saturday, Sep. 12 : won 45-10 over Robert Morris

noon Saturday, Sept. 19, at Minnesota , Big Ten Network

noon Saturday, Sept. 26, vs. UNLV, ESPN+

TBD time Saturday, Oct. 3, at Central Michigan, TBD network

3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, vs. Eastern Michigan, TBD network

TBD time Saturday, Oct. 17, at Miami RedHawks, TBD network

TBD time Saturday, Oct. 24, at Kent State, TBD network

7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, vs. Ohio , ESPN2 or ESPNU

7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, vs. Western Michigan, ESPN2, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network

7 or 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at UMass, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network

noon Friday, Nov. 27, vs. Buffalo, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com . On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .