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

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

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.

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

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.

And during halftime, 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.