http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:42 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/06/photo-gallery-notre-dame-volleyball/stories/20260906149 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/06/photo-gallery-notre-dame-volleyball/stories/20260906149#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2026 19:52:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/06/photo-gallery-notre-dame-volleyball/stories/20260906149 Toledo loses 3-1 in a women’s college volleyball match against Notre Dame at University of Toledo’s Savage Arena in Toledo on Saturday. Toledo’s Jessica Costlow, left, hits the ball against Notre Dame’s Isabella Sangha, front right, and Chichi Nnaji. Toledo’s Meg Jarrett hits the ball. Toledo’s Janelle Green serves. Toledo’s Sophie Catalano, left, and Lilly Merk, center, defend against Notre Dame’s Angie Desamours. Toledo’s Jessica Costlow hits the ball. Toledo’s Ava Siefke hits the ball. Toledo’s Lilly Merk celebrates a point. Toledo players celebrate a point. Toledo players celebrate a point. Toledo’s Lilly Merk, left, spikes against Notre Dame’s Isabella Sangha. Toledo players celebrate a point. Toledo players celebrate a point. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/06/trust-depth-versatility-driving-toledo-volleyballs-early-success/stories/20260906138 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/06/trust-depth-versatility-driving-toledo-volleyballs-early-success/stories/20260906138#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2026 20:56:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/06/trust-depth-versatility-driving-toledo-volleyballs-early-success/stories/20260906138 Maddy Bach was Memphis’ assist leader as a freshman and came to Toledo looking for an expanded role on a championship team. Toledo’s Lilly Merk, left, spikes against Notre Dame’s Isabella Sangha during a women’s college volleyball match between the University of Toledo and University of Notre Dame at UT’s Savage Arena in Toledo on Sept. 5. Toledo players celebrate a point. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/05/briggs-toledo-fans-should-proud-fight-rockets-showed-thrilling-opener/stories/20260905080 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/05/briggs-toledo-fans-should-proud-fight-rockets-showed-thrilling-opener/stories/20260905080#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2026 04:25:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/05/briggs-toledo-fans-should-proud-fight-rockets-showed-thrilling-opener/stories/20260905080 EAST LANSING, Mich. — Say this for the Toledo football team: It sure doesn’t back down. Toledo head coach Mike Jacobs yells after a play during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/toledo-shows-fight-despite-defeat-first-game-mike-jacobs-era-against-michigan/stories/20260904110 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/toledo-shows-fight-despite-defeat-first-game-mike-jacobs-era-against-michigan/stories/20260904110#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2026 04:53:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/toledo-shows-fight-despite-defeat-first-game-mike-jacobs-era-against-michigan/stories/20260904110 EAST LANSING, Mich. — The first game for Toledo in the Mike Jacobs era took a Big Ten team to the absolute brink on the road. Despite a 30-20 defeat and a slow start to the first half, the new-look Rockets took command in the second and even held a lead before Michigan State scored 11 Toledo’s Connor Walendzak runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown as Michigan State’s Michael Richard pushes him. Toledo’s Adjatay Dabbs runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown as Michigan State’s Charles Brantley pulls him down. Michigan State’s Cam Edwards is brought down by Toledo’s Isaac Say and Ezra Odinjor. Michigan State fans react to a Toledo touchdown during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s celebrates a touchdown during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s celebrates a touchdown during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Black Hawks fly over Spartan Stadium during the National Anthem before a college football game between Toledo and Michigan State in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. A lone Toledo fan reacts to a Michigan State touchdown during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. A Toledo fan cheers after a touchdown during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Anita Lopez mocks Michigan State fans during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo fans react to a Michigan State touchdown during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Luke Rector reacts to losing to Michigan State in the final seconds of the game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Connor Walendzak is brought down by Michigan State’s Devin Vaught during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Adjatay Dabbs runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown as Michigan State’s Charles Brantley pulls him down during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Nicholas Thompson is brought down by Michigan State’s Jordon Hall during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Michigan State fans wait for the game to start during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Connor Walendzak runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Michigan State’s during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Toledo’s Michigan State’s during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State defeated Toledo, 30-20. Michigan State’s Tre Bell intercepts a pass intended for Toledo’s Adjatay Dabbs during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. A Michigan State fan cheers for his team during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Michigan State’s drum majors bend backwards during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. Toledo’s Kaleb Hutchinson brings down Michigan State’s Jayden Savoury during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/game-updates-and-analysis-michigan-state-toledo/stories/20260904101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/game-updates-and-analysis-michigan-state-toledo/stories/20260904101#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:52:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/game-updates-and-analysis-michigan-state-toledo/stories/20260904101 EAST LANSING, Mich. — Below are updates and analysis from Friday’s Toledo football game at Michigan State. Toledo’s Connor Walendzak is brought down by Michigan State’s Devin Vaught during a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/week-1-game-day-preview-football-michigan-state/stories/20260904004 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/week-1-game-day-preview-football-michigan-state/stories/20260904004#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:37:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/04/week-1-game-day-preview-football-michigan-state/stories/20260904004 The stage will be bigger and the crowd will be louder, but for Toledo, 52 new players are looking at Friday’s game against Michigan State as a chance to make a statement. Toledo runs through drills during the University of Toledo’s spring game at the Glass Bowl in Toledo on April 18. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/03/briggs-picks-like-chances-michigan-state/stories/20260903107 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/03/briggs-picks-like-chances-michigan-state/stories/20260903107#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2026 21:37:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/03/briggs-picks-like-chances-michigan-state/stories/20260903107 All right, straight to it: Week 1 of the college football season is finally here, so let’s make some picks ...  Toledo at Michigan State, 8 p.m., Friday, FS1 Line: Michigan State by 10 I must admit, I don’t love Toledo’s chances here.  But I do like them.  And, University of Toledo quarterback John Alan Richter, left, runs a drill during football practice Aug. 5 at the Glass Bowl in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/03/briggs-for-jacobs-and-toledo-what-an-opportunity-awaits-at-michigan-state/stories/20260903012 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/03/briggs-for-jacobs-and-toledo-what-an-opportunity-awaits-at-michigan-state/stories/20260903012#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/03/briggs-for-jacobs-and-toledo-what-an-opportunity-awaits-at-michigan-state/stories/20260903012 The good news for Toledo: Its opener at Michigan State on Friday night is probably going to go a little better than the last time it played in East Lansing. University of Toledo head coach Mike Jacobs at practice on August 5. His first game leading the Rockets is Friday night agains Michigan State. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/02/2026-week-1-scouting-report-toledo-football-at-michigan-state/stories/20260902082 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/02/2026-week-1-scouting-report-toledo-football-at-michigan-state/stories/20260902082#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2026 19:16:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/09/02/2026-week-1-scouting-report-toledo-football-at-michigan-state/stories/20260902082 Two new head coaches and more than 100 combined new players highlight an opening matchup between Toledo and Michigan State that will determine which team starts 2026 on the right foot. Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, right, started the Spartans' final four games last season. Pat Fitzgerald will make his debut as Michigan State's head coach Friday against Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/28/toledo-men-basketball-nonconference-slate-features-michigan-michigan-state-trips/stories/20260828098 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/28/toledo-men-basketball-nonconference-slate-features-michigan-michigan-state-trips/stories/20260828098#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:56:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/28/toledo-men-basketball-nonconference-slate-features-michigan-michigan-state-trips/stories/20260828098 The University of Toledo men’s basketball team is set to square off with a pair of Big Ten powerhouses, defending national champion Michigan and Michigan State, as part of the Rockets’ nonconference slate in the upcoming 2026-27 season. University of Toledo men's basketball coach Tod Kowalczyk and the Rockets will take on a pair of Top 10 Big Ten teams in nonconference play this season. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/26/briggs-toledo-football-has-been-nation-s-most-penalized-program-that-s-about-to/stories/20260826079 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/26/briggs-toledo-football-has-been-nation-s-most-penalized-program-that-s-about-to/stories/20260826079#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:49:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/26/briggs-toledo-football-has-been-nation-s-most-penalized-program-that-s-about-to/stories/20260826079 Either there was a grand conspiracy against the Toledo football program. University of Toledo head coach Mike Jacobs during football practice this month. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/23/mac-championship-banner-rises-expectations-2026-toledo-volleyball/stories/20260823092 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/23/mac-championship-banner-rises-expectations-2026-toledo-volleyball/stories/20260823092#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:58:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/08/23/mac-championship-banner-rises-expectations-2026-toledo-volleyball/stories/20260823092 Unveiling the 2025 Mid-American Conference tournament championship banner at Savage Arena on Saturday cemented the standard for Toledo volleyball in 2026. Toledo volleyball reacts to the unveiling of the 2025 MAC championship banner during UT’s exhibition match against Ferris State at the University of Toledo’s Savage Arena on Aug. 22. Toledo volleyball reacts to the unveiling of the 2025 MAC championship banner during UT’s exhibition match against Ferris State at the University of Toledo’s Savage Arena on Aug. 22. 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.