Rockets Zap Zips 45-3 to Cap Saturday’s Homecoming Celebration

September 29, 2025 | Athletics, News, UToday, Alumni, Student Affairs
By Daniel Miller



The University of Toledo’s 95th annual Homecoming began with a festive parade and ended with a Rocket blowout, a 45-3 victory over Akron at the Glass Bowl.

Hours before the game, the annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade got the festivities started on campus and then wended its way through the Old Orchard neighborhood and then back to campus.

Sponsored by Blue Key National Honor Society and supported by the Office of Student Engagement and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the parade featured floats, dignitaries, alumni, honorees, Rocky and Rocksy, with President James Holloway serving as grand marshal.

Photo of the Alpha Omicron Pi and Pi Kappa Alpha float in the 2025 Homecoming Parade.

A member of the UToledo Blue Crew dressed as a clown hands out candy to children during the Homecoming Parade.

Students in the Honors College holding a "UToledo Honors" banner march in the Homecoming Parade.

A UToledo student waves a flag while sitting in a pickup truck as part of the Homecoming Parade.

Photo of the UToledo Homecoming Court riding in Jeeps in the annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade.

Photo of UToledo Marching Band performing in the annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade.

Following the parade, the Alumni Association hosted a Pregame Party with food and drinks at the William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion.

Cheerleaders perform at the William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion.

Rockets fans pose for a photo at the pre-game Alumni Homecoming event.

Capping Saturday’s Homecoming in spectacular fashion, the Rockets dominated the game, scoring on the first play from scrimmage, building a 28-0 lead early in the second quarter and outgaining the Zips in total offense, 545-145.

Toledo running back runs through an opening in the line of scrimmage.

Students clap during the Homecoming game.

Toledo player jumps into the end zone while holding the football out to the side.

Fans celebrate during the Homecoming game.

And during halftime, the Homecoming 2025 King and Queen, Yash Thakare and Benisha Gurung, were recognized by President Holloway.

the Homecoming 2025 King and Queen, Yash Thakare and Benisha Gurung, were recognized by President Holloway.

The Alumni Association also recognized some of its Homecoming Gala award winners. From left, William Pierce, associate vice president of alumni engagement; Jason Graven, the Gold T award recipient; Robert “Reggie” Bradley, Jr., the Daniel J. Saevig Blue T award recipient; Matt McClure, president of the Alumni Association Board; and UToledo President James Holloway.

The Alumni Association also recognized some of its Homecoming Gala award winners. From left, William Pierce, associate vice president of alumni engagement; Jason Graven, the Gold T award recipient; Robert “Reggie” Bradley, Jr., the Daniel J. Saevig Blue T award recipient; Matt McClure, president of the Alumni Association Board; and UToledo President James Holloway.