The University of Toledo
09/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/14/2026 08:24
Toledo Dominates Home Opener Over Central Connecticut State, 63-10
Toledo Dominates Home Opener Over Central Connecticut State, 63-10
The University of Toledo wasted little time putting its stamp on the first home game of the Mike Jacobs era, scoring early and often in a 63-10 victory over Central Connecticut State on Saturday at Glass Bowl Stadium. The victory marked the first for Jacobs as Toledo's head coach.
The Rockets overcame an early special teams miscue and quickly turned the game into a rout, taking a 14-3 lead after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 35-3 by halftime.
Sophomore wide receiver Rico Bond scores in the first quarter on an 85-yard touchdown reception. The Rockets dominated Central Connecticut State, 63-10, in Saturday's home opener at Glass Bowl Stadium.
Toledo fumbled the opening kickoff, giving Central Connecticut State possession at the Rockets' 8-yard line. But the Toledo defense immediately responded, holding the Blue Devils without a yard to force a field goal. From there, it was all Rockets, piling on touchdowns with three each in the second and third quarters.
Senior running back Connor Walendzak put Toledo on the scoreboard with an 8-yard touchdown reception, and the Rockets continued to pour it on from there. Walendzak finished with 34 yards on six carries, with a rushing and receiving score, while CJ Miller rushed for 56 yards on nine carries. Sophomore wide receiver Rico Bond finished with four catches for 135 yards and an 85-yard touchdown reception, the longest catch of his college career.
Junior quarterback John Alan Richter turned in an efficient performance, completing 15 of 24 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns. He set a career high in passing yards, breaking his previous mark of 227 in 2024 at Buffalo. His biggest play came in the second quarter on Rico Bond's 85-yard touchdown, the longest completion of Richter's career.
On Toledo's opening possession of the third quarter, Richter found junior wide receiver Adjatay Dabbs for a 4-yard touchdown to extend the lead. Walendzak scored his second touchdown of the afternoon a few minutes later, powering into the end zone from one yard out.
Toledo held Central Connecticut State to 139 total yards and seven first downs. The Rockets finished with five tackles for loss, one sack and an interception, and held Central Connecticut State to just 4 of 16 (25%) on third downs.
Junior linebacker Julian Fox had a team-high eight tackles and sophomore linebacker Isaac Zay had the Rockets' interception plus seven stops.
Toledo Football Head Coach Mike Jacobs earned a victory in his first home game.
The annual student run onto the field prior to kickoff as part of the home-opener pregame festivities.
Dr. Andrew Rhodes, director of athletic bands, conducts the Rocket Marching Band during a performance of the alma mater "Fair Toledo."
Rockets in the student section of Glass Bowl Stadium enjoy the home-opener blowout.
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