http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:13:25 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/19/briggs-tyrell-russell-might-be-the-fastest-player-in-college-football/stories/20260819103 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/19/briggs-tyrell-russell-might-be-the-fastest-player-in-college-football/stories/20260819103#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:54:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/19/briggs-tyrell-russell-might-be-the-fastest-player-in-college-football/stories/20260819103 I would say Tyrell Russell is the fastest college football player you haven’t heard about yet. Tyrell Russell, a redshirt freshman cornerback for Toledo, is looking to crack the Rockets' lineup this fall. Toledo cornerback Tyrell Russell, right, defends a pass in practice. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/former/stories/20260818101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/former/stories/20260818101#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:09:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/former/stories/20260818101 Former University of Toledo baseball standout Chris Meyers is returning to the Glass City, this time as a Toledo Mud Hen. Former University of Toledo baseball standout Chris Meyers was called up to join the Mud Hens on Tuesday after playing 65 games with the Detroit Tigers' Double-A affiliate in 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-men-s-basketball-s-2026-27-mac-schedule/stories/20260818006 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-men-s-basketball-s-2026-27-mac-schedule/stories/20260818006#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:43:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/18/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-men-s-basketball-s-2026-27-mac-schedule/stories/20260818006 With the release of the Mid-American Conference schedule, Toledo men’s basketball and all other MAC schools will play 22 league games for the first time. Toledo’s Austin Parks secures a rebound against Akron in the men’s college basketball finals of the MAC Tournament at Rocket Arena on March 14 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260817021 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260817021#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:13:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/17/analysis-what-stands-out-about-toledo-women-s-basketball-s-2026-27-schedule/stories/20260817021 For Toledo women’s basketball, going back to the Mid-American Conference championship game starts with knowing what the path will be to get there. Toledo’s Ella Weaver hits the corner three against Ball St. in a semifinal women’s college basketball MAC tournament game at Rocket Arena on March 13 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/15/briggs-moreland-rockets-mac-glass-bowl-concerts-hometown-pride/stories/20260815032 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/15/briggs-moreland-rockets-mac-glass-bowl-concerts-hometown-pride/stories/20260815032#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:47:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/15/briggs-moreland-rockets-mac-glass-bowl-concerts-hometown-pride/stories/20260815032 In a way, Toledo athletic director Tom Moreland’s first 100 days in town have been more like a 100-yard dash. Tom Moreland, the University of Toledo’s new athletic director, speaks during a town hall on Rocket athletics held in UT’s Grogan Room in Savage Arena in Toledo on July 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/08/healthy-roster-new-system-fueling-toledo-soccers-turnaround-hopes/stories/20260808021 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/08/healthy-roster-new-system-fueling-toledo-soccers-turnaround-hopes/stories/20260808021#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/08/healthy-roster-new-system-fueling-toledo-soccers-turnaround-hopes/stories/20260808021 University of Toledo soccer has endured its share of hardships in recent years with last season proving especially difficult as injuries ravaged the roster. Several young players were forced into major roles, but fourth-year coach Mark Batman said he believes that valuable experience could pay Rocket goalkeeper Paige Dornheggen makes stops and calls during a University of Toledo women's soccer practice at Paul Hotmer Field on Aug. 4 in Toledo. Rocket midfielder Kayla Flory concentrates on drills during a University of Toledo women's soccer practice at Paul Hotmer Field on Aug. 4 in Toledo. Head coach Mark Batman instructs his team during a University of Toledo women's soccer practice at Paul Hotmer Field on Aug. 4 in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/05/rockets-fall-camp-build-chemistry-rebuilt-receiver-room/stories/20260805105 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/05/rockets-fall-camp-build-chemistry-rebuilt-receiver-room/stories/20260805105#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:35:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/05/rockets-fall-camp-build-chemistry-rebuilt-receiver-room/stories/20260805105 Long before the first snap of Toledo’s 2026 season, junior quarterback John Alan Richter has been building connections with his receivers one throw, one workout, and one cookout at a time.  With several new faces expected to contribute this season, every throw at fall camp is an University of Toledo quarterback John Alan Richter runs a drill during football practice Aug. 5 at the Glass Bowl. University of Toledo quarterback Jake Dehaan looks to throw during football practice. University of Toledo quarterback Khamoni Robinson looks to throw during football practice. University of Toledo kicker Anthony Ruggles kicks field goals during football practice. University of Toledo head coach Mike Jacobs during football practice. University of Toledo head coach Mike Jacobs during football practice. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/04/toledo-men-s-basketball-alumni-event-brings16-years-of-rockets-together/stories/20260804097 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/04/toledo-men-s-basketball-alumni-event-brings16-years-of-rockets-together/stories/20260804097#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2026 22:38:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/04/toledo-men-s-basketball-alumni-event-brings16-years-of-rockets-together/stories/20260804097 One step onto the Savage Arena court was all it took for RayJ Dennis to be reminded of the moments that shaped his basketball career.  As he looked around the gym that once served as his second home, the former University of Toledo standout relived those memories with several generations of Former Rockets players compete in shooting drills during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Head coach Tod Kowalczyk talks with alum Ryan Rollins during an open practice for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Former Rocket standout RayJ Dennis hits the lefty layup during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Former Rocket and NBA player Ryan Rollins drives with the ball during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Current Rocket center Austin Parks goes up for a dunk during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Aarena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Head coach Tod Kowalczyk during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Former Rocket and Sylvania native Sean Craig shoots a jumper during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Former Rocket guard Marreon Jackson attempts a windmill dunk during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Former Rocket guard E.J. Farmer rises for the dunk during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Head coach Tod Kowalczyk talks with former players during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. Head coach Tod Kowalczyk talks with former players during an open practice with alumni players for the University of Toledo men's basketball team at Savage Arena on Aug. 4 in West Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/03/checking-in-on-rookie-toledo-football-standouts-at-nfl-training-camps/stories/20260802110 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/03/checking-in-on-rookie-toledo-football-standouts-at-nfl-training-camps/stories/20260802110#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/03/checking-in-on-rookie-toledo-football-standouts-at-nfl-training-camps/stories/20260802110 Football is officially back. Despite the regular season still being weeks away, the beginning of training camp marks the unofficial start of the 2026 NFL season. Six former University of Toledo standouts from the 2025 season are looking to earn spots on 53-man rosters. Former Rockets Emmanuel Cleveland Browns rookie Emmanuel McNeil-Warren walks through a drill during the teams' NFL football practice June 9 in Berea, Ohio. Los Angeles Chargers rookie cornerback Avery Smith makes a catch during the NFL football team's training camp in El Segundo, Calif. on Aug. 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/30/incoming-ut-athletic-director-tom-moreland-connects-fans-town-hall-meeting/stories/20260730119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/30/incoming-ut-athletic-director-tom-moreland-connects-fans-town-hall-meeting/stories/20260730119#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2026 01:35:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/30/incoming-ut-athletic-director-tom-moreland-connects-fans-town-hall-meeting/stories/20260730119 University of Toledo Athletic Director Tom Moreland wanted to have a direct conversation with Rockets fans. No fund-raising pitch. No championship celebration. Just questions — and answers — in a town hall meeting Thursday in Savage Arena’s Grogan Room. “Our athletic Tom Moreland, the University of Toledo’s new athletic director, speaks during a town hall on Rocket athletics held in UT’s Grogan Room in Savage Arena in Toledo on July 30. Tom Moreland, the University of Toledo’s new athletic director, highlights individual MAC champions as he speaks during a town hall on Rocket athletics held in UT’s Grogan Room in Savage Arena in Toledo on July 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:13:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/briggs-basketball-recruiting-rockets/stories/20260729107 Not long ago, Tony Cornett and Bryce Curry would have been the kind of blue-chip recruits a basketball program in the Mid-American Conference admired from a distance. Toledo coach Tod Kowalczyk gestures to a player during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Michigan in 2024 in Ann Arbor. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:48:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/29/former-toledo-soccer-standout-isa-echeverri-s-full-circle-return-to-world-cup-1/stories/20260728096 There are moments that stay with athletes long after their careers, and for Isa Echeverri, one of them is hearing Colombia’s national anthem played at the World Cup. Former University of Toledo soccer player Isa Echeverri worked as a soccer analyst for Telemundo Deportes covering her home country of Colombia at this year's World Cup. University of Toledo product Isa Echeverri, left, played for Colombia in the 2016 Olympics, going up against Crystal Dunn, right, and the United States in pool play,. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/25/new-looks-same-rivalry-feelings-bgsu-ut-football-after-offseason-overhauls/stories/20260725069 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/25/new-looks-same-rivalry-feelings-bgsu-ut-football-after-offseason-overhauls/stories/20260725069#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/25/new-looks-same-rivalry-feelings-bgsu-ut-football-after-offseason-overhauls/stories/20260725069 Heading into the upcoming 2026-27 college football season, it’s a new era for the University of Toledo, a fresh start for Bowling Green State University after a down year, and the potential for another intriguing chapter in the Battle of I-75 rivalry. Bowling Green’s Eddie George clap after their 28-23 win during the Battle of I-75 MAC football game at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, on October 11, 2025. Bowling Green defeated UT, 28-23. Mike Jacobs, University of Toledo head football coach speaks, during MAC Media Day at Ford Field on July 22 in Detroit. Bowling Green's Eriq George prepares for the snap as the Falcons host the Rockets at Doyt-Perry Stadium in Bowling Green on Oct. 11, 2025. Defensive end Andrew Zock works in drills during the University of Toledo football team's first official spring practice at the Fetterman Athletic Complex on March 17 in West Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/25/toledo-football-players-rally-behind-lift-for-life-in-support-of-rare-disease-re/stories/20260725029 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/25/toledo-football-players-rally-behind-lift-for-life-in-support-of-rare-disease-re/stories/20260725029#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/25/toledo-football-players-rally-behind-lift-for-life-in-support-of-rare-disease-re/stories/20260725029 Most college football transfers spend their first few weeks learning a playbook. But for University of Toledo cornerback Cam Jones, rallying his teammates around a cause bigger than the game was his priority.  The senior, who arrived from Holy Cross in January, organized UT’s first Players cheer as Cam Jones squats during Toledo football's Lift for Life at the University of Toledo’s Larimer Athletic Complex in Toledo on July 24. Teammates cheer on Cooper Rusk during Toledo football's Lift for Life at the University of Toledo’s Larimer Athletic Complex in Toledo on July 24. Daryl Barnett Jr., winces as he squats during Toledo football's Lift for Life at the University of Toledo’s Larimer Athletic Complex in Toledo on July 24. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/22/briggs-football-group-six-teams/stories/20260722119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/22/briggs-football-group-six-teams/stories/20260722119#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:30:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/22/briggs-football-group-six-teams/stories/20260722119 DETROIT —  Some teams come to Mid-American Conference media day with expectations. Mike Jacobs, University of Toledo head football coach, gives an interview during MAC Media Day July 22 at Ford Field in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/22/quarterback-john-alan-richter-starting-role-injury-scare/stories/20260722103 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/22/quarterback-john-alan-richter-starting-role-injury-scare/stories/20260722103#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:32:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/22/quarterback-john-alan-richter-starting-role-injury-scare/stories/20260722103 DETROIT — Sept. 27, 2025. That’s the day Toledo quarterback John Alan Richter’s football career went from being defined by patience to perseverance. “Football is a tough sport and it was just a hit, which just happens sometimes,” Richter said Wednesday at Mid- John Alan Richter, quaterback for University of Toledo football, laughs with teammate Andrew Zock during MAC Media Day at Ford Field on July 22 in Detroit. Toledo players and staff crowd around the ambulance before it took away backup quarterback John Alan Richter during a Mid-American Conference football game between the University of Toledo and University of Akron at UT’s Glass Bowl in Toledo on Sept. 27, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/20/toledo-football-3-storylines-2026-season-ahead-mac-media-day/stories/20260720070 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/20/toledo-football-3-storylines-2026-season-ahead-mac-media-day/stories/20260720070#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:40:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/20/toledo-football-3-storylines-2026-season-ahead-mac-media-day/stories/20260720070 In 46 days, first-year head coach Mike Jacobs will lead the University of Toledo football team for the first time in East Lansing, Mich. The challenge for him isn't simply replacing a successful predecessor — it's preparing an almost entirely new team to compete in week one and reshaping a First-season coach Mike Jacobs instructs his players during the University of Toledo football team's first official spring practice at the Fetterman Athletic Complex on March 17 in West Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/18/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-quarterbacks/stories/20260718015 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/18/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-quarterbacks/stories/20260718015#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:36:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/18/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-quarterbacks/stories/20260718015 This is the final story of a multi-part series breaking down position groups on the University of Toledo’s football roster entering the 2026 season. John Alan Richter is one of the best stories in college football. The junior waited three years sitting behind quarterbacks Dequan Finn and Quarterback John Alan Richter takes reps during the University of Toledo football team's first official spring practice at the Fetterman Athletic Complex on March 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/15/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-defensive-backs/stories/20260715027 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/15/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-defensive-backs/stories/20260715027#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/15/2026-state-of-the-position-toledo-defensive-backs/stories/20260715027 This is the sixth of a multi-part series breaking down position groups on the University of Toledo’s football roster entering the 2026 season. The Rockets had three future NFL players patrolling their secondary last season, continuing a standard that has seen six defensive backs get selected Junior cornerback Cam Jones transferred to the University of Toledo after spending the past two years at Holy Cross where he earned first team All-Patriot League in 2025. Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons (4) is tripped up by Mercer defensive back Kaleb Hutchinson (17) after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/12/toledo-scholvin-bgsu-stade-selected-on-day-2-of-mlb-draft/stories/20260712123 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/12/toledo-scholvin-bgsu-stade-selected-on-day-2-of-mlb-draft/stories/20260712123#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:10:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/12/toledo-scholvin-bgsu-stade-selected-on-day-2-of-mlb-draft/stories/20260712123 A pair of local college baseball players heard their names called in the 2026 MLB draft on Sunday. Toledo’s Charlie Scholvin swings during a college baseball game between Toledo and Butler at the Scott Park Baseball Complex in Toledo on May 6.