The Toledo Rockets delivered a solid 2024 campaign, but a few close losses left all the fans feeling longing. With the 2025 football schedule now announced, we can finally get an idea of whether head coach Jason Candle and his squad can make a successful Mid-American Conference (MAC) title run and soar to new heights.
Toledo’s 2025 Opponents
The Rockets face a 12-game schedule, featuring a mix of non-conference clashes and MAC battles. Here’s who they’ll take on in 2025:
- August 30: @Kentucky
- September 6: vs. Western Kentucky
- September 13: vs. Morgan State
- September 20: @Western Michigan
- September 27: vs. Akron
- October 11: @Bowling Green
- October 18: vs. Kent State
- October 25: @Washington State
- November 5: vs. Northern Illinois
- November 12: @Miami (OH)
- November 22: vs. Ball State
- November 29: @Central Michigan
Toledo starts with a formidable SEC road test against Kentucky on Aug. 30. The Wildcats, known for the physical prowess of their players, averaged 34.2 points per game in 2024, posing a hard-to-overcome challenge for Toledo’s retooled defense. “We’re built for these moments,” Candle said at a recent press conference. Facing a team like Kentucky will set the tone for their season.
Home games against Western Kentucky and Morgan State will offer chances to build momentum. Western Kentucky’s precise passing attack, led by quarterback Caden Veltkamp, who threw for 2,879 yards in 2024, will test Toledo’s secondary. Morgan State, an FCS opponent, should provide a confidence-building win to the Rockets, but losing this game can be equally devastating.
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The non-conference finale at Washington State on Oct. 25 is a wildcard. The Cougars’ up-tempo offense could exploit Toledo’s depth, but a victory here would send shockwaves through the Group of Five.
MAC Season
Toledo’s MAC schedule will define the season. Home games against Akron, Kent State, Northern Illinois, and Ball State are must-wins if the Rockets aim to reclaim the conference title. Northern Illinois’s tight defense allowed just 19.8 points per game last season, making us eagerly look forward to the Nov. 5 matchup.
Road trips to Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Miami (OH), and Central Michigan won’t be easy. Bowling Green, fueled by a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality after a 7-5 2024 season, could be a challenging game for the Rockets to win. Miami (OH), led by quarterback Brett Gabbert, is also a dangerous foe.
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