A packed slate ahead
The university announced the full slate of games for the upcoming season, marking the start of a demanding 22‑game campaign for the men's team and a similarly rigorous schedule for the women's squad. Both programs will open nonconference play in late November before diving into conference action.
The men's side will begin at home against Ball State on December 2 inside Rhodes Arena, a venue that will host several of the team's most anticipated matchups. A recurring rivalry with Kent State will see the Zips travel to face the Golden Flashes on February 13 and then welcome them back on March 5 to close the regular season.
Under the direction of new head coach Dustin Ford, the men's roster will also test itself against a variety of opponents, including Louisiana Lafayette in a MAC‑Sun Belt Challenge game on November 2 and a series of road contests at Buffalo, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Ohio, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan.
The women's team, guided by coach Ryan Gensler, opens its conference schedule with a home game against UMass on January 2. The Zips will also host South Alabama to start the season on November 2, and will meet Kent State twice, first at home on January 30 and later on the road on February 27.
Both squads will play all 11 conference rivals twice, ensuring a balanced home‑and‑away slate. Home games are highlighted in all caps in the released schedule, though specific start times will be announced later as the season approaches.