06/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/02/2026 13:30
Friday night lights are coming to the Glass Bowl.
Toledo's previously scheduled game against Bowling Green on Wednesday, Nov. 18, has been moved to Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The game, which will air on ESPN2, marks the first non-Thanksgiving week Friday contest at the Glass Bowl since 2011.
Toledo's previously scheduled game against Bowling Green has been moved to Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
"This decision was made in coordination with the Mid-American Conference to ensure the best experience for our student-athletes, fans and partners," said Toledo Vice President and Director of Athletics Tom Moreland. "This is a great opportunity for the community to pack the Glass Bowl for one of Northwest Ohio's premier rivalries."
The 2026 matchup will be the 91st edition of the Battle of I-75. The all-time series is tied 43-43-4, while Toledo holds a 25-19-2 edge in games played at the Glass Bowl.
"Playing under the lights at the Glass Bowl is always special," Head Coach Mike Jacobs said. "A Friday night rivalry game will create an incredible atmosphere, and we know Rocket fans will bring tremendous energy on Nov. 20."
The Battle of I-75 announcement highlighted several kickoff times and television designations for the 2026 season.
Toledo opens the season at Michigan State on Friday, Sept. 4, at 8 p.m. on FS1. The Rockets' home opener - "The Biggest Party in Toledo" - against Central Connecticut State is set for Saturday, Sept. 12, at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+, followed by a Saturday, Sept. 19, matchup vs. Temple in the Glass Bowl at 3 p.m. on CBSSN.
Weeknight November games at Sacramento State (Wednesday, Nov. 4) and against UMass (Wednesday, Nov. 11) in Toledo will kick off at either 7 or 7:30 p.m. and air on ESPN2, ESPNU or CBSSN. The regular-season finale at Ohio on Friday, Nov. 27, is scheduled for noon on ESPNU or CBSSN.
Kickoff times and TV assignments for the remaining games will be announced later.
Toledo enters its first season under Jacobs with four returning offensive linemen who have starting experience. Junior quarterback John Alan Richter has thrown for 699 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons.
The Rockets also added one of the MAC's top transfer portal classes, highlighted by 11 all-conference selections from previous schools, including 2025 FCS Defensive Player of the Year Andrew Zock.
Season tickets for the 2026 season are available online, by calling or texting 419-530-GOLD (4653), or by visiting the Rocket Ticket Office at the Sullivan Athletic Complex. Three-game mini-plans go on sale in June.