College Football Team To Let Fan Call Plays For Team’s Opening Drive

Akron Football has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that allows fans to take part in the strategic planning of the team’s opening drive during its home opener against Robert Morris on September 12. The University of Akron Zips have announced a raffle among season-ticket holders, offering one lucky participant the chance to act as the "Offensive Coordinator of the Game." This individual will collaborate directly with head coach Joe Moorhead to script the first offensive drive of the season. The promotion marks a historic moment in college football, particularly at the Division I level, as it represents the first time such an opportunity has been extended to a fan. The raffle was officially announced on Tuesday, with the drawing set for August 19. Current season-ticket holders are automatically entered, with each ticket granting one entry. Additional entries can be earned by referring new season-ticket holders for the 2026 season. The winner will be invited to work closely with the coaching staff, learning how to construct the opening play sequence and ultimately deciding the strategy for the first drive of the game. According to the announcement, this initiative aims to provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience for one of the program’s most dedicated supporters. Head coach Joe Moorhead expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating in a press release that he looks forward to working with the winning fan. He emphasized that the project offers a novel experience for both the fan and the team, highlighting the potential for creative input from someone outside the traditional coaching structure. Moorhead noted that the process would involve teaching the winner how to assemble the opening script and observing their ability to contribute effectively. Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich, the director of athletics, echoed Moorhead’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of engaging fans more deeply with the program. He described the initiative as a way to grant a loyal supporter a place within the coaching hierarchy for the most significant game of the season. The move reflects Akron’s broader efforts to enhance fan engagement and foster a stronger connection between the university and its supporters. Akron’s performance over the past season provides context for the team’s approach to this new initiative. In 2025, the Zips posted a 5-7 record, including a 3-3 mark at home. Despite finishing with average statistics compared to other teams in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the program showed promise by averaging 353.5 yards per game and scoring 22.3 points per contest, rankings that placed them fifth and eighth in the conference, respectively. These figures suggest that the team is poised for improvement, and the involvement of a fan in shaping the opening drive could serve as a symbolic step toward greater success. Reactions from the broader college football community have been mixed, with many expressing curiosity about whether other programs might follow suit. While some fans of competing teams view the initiative as a publicity stunt, others appreciate the innovative approach taken by Akron. The idea of a fan contributing to the strategic planning of a game has sparked discussions about the role of fan interaction in collegiate sports, with some speculating that similar promotions could emerge in the future. The selection of the winner will occur on August 19, following the drawing process. Once chosen, the fan will begin working with the coaching staff to develop the opening drive plan. The actual implementation of the strategy will depend on the outcome of the practice sessions leading up to the game. Regardless of the result, the experiment is expected to generate considerable interest and media coverage, potentially elevating the profile of the Zips program nationwide.