Akron vs Nebraska: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, Odds & Key Players for the 2025 Week 1 Showdown

LINCOLN, Neb. — Memorial Stadium’s record-setting sellout streak is set to add another chapter tonight when the No. 23 Nebraska Cornhuskers host the Akron Zips in Week 2 action. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET) with television coverage on Big Ten Network and streaming on the FOX Sports app. Why the matchup matters • Home opener buzz: After edging Cincinnati 20-17 on a neutral field in Kansas City, Matt Rhule’s team returns to Lincoln looking for a 2-0 start for the first time since 2021. • Bounce-back opportunity: Akron was blanked 10-0 by Wyoming in its opener and has scored just 17 total points in its last three outings dating to 2024. • First look at Dylan Raiola in front of the home crowd: The five-star freshman quarterback threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns against the Bearcats and will make his Memorial Stadium debut under the lights. Game details at a glance • Where: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska • TV: BTN | Stream: FOX Sports app, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV • Radio: Husker Sports Network; WHLO-640 AM (Akron) • Vegas line: Nebraska ‑28.5; O/U 51.5 (opening odds) Key storylines to watch 1. Blackshirt front seven vs. Akron’s protection issues Nebraska registered four sacks last Thursday and now faces an Akron offensive line that allowed five tackles for loss and produced only 72 rushing yards in Week 1. Edge rusher Cam Lenhardt and linebacker MJ Sherman could spend the night in the Zips’ backfield. 2. Can Akron finish drives? Quarterback Ben Finley completed 24-of-39 passes against Wyoming but two trips inside the 25 produced zero points. Red-zone efficiency must improve if Joe Moorhead’s squad hopes to hang around past halftime. 3. Special-teams swing factor Nebraska kicker Tristan Alvano nailed the 44-yard game-winner versus Cincinnati, while Akron missed a 37-yard attempt that would have tied its opener. Hidden-yardage plays in the kicking game loom large when an underdog tries to spring an upset. Injury updates • Nebraska: RB Gabe Ervin Jr. (ankle) is expected to be on a pitch count; CB Tommi Hill (hamstring) remains questionable. • Akron: WR Alex Adams (knee) practiced in a non-contact jersey Tuesday but is listed as a game-time decision. Stat matchup • Nebraska offense: 414.0 yd/g, 29% explosive-play rate • Akron defense: 287.0 yd/g allowed, 4.6 yds per play • Turnover margin: Nebraska +2; Akron –1 Prediction Expect an early Akron scripted drive to test the Husker secondary, but depth and physicality tilt sharply toward the home side. If Raiola hits a couple of vertical shots to Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, the rout is on. Nebraska 41, Akron 10 How to follow live • Live stats: Huskers.com/gamecenter • Social: #AKRvsNEB, @HuskerFBNation, @ZipsFB Search-friendly quick hits • “What channel is Nebraska vs Akron on tonight?” — BTN, 6:30 p.m. CT • “Nebraska vs Akron odds” — Huskers favored by four touchdowns • “Akron vs Nebraska tickets” — secondary market starting at $43 on SeatGeek as of Saturday morning With Big Ten play looming for Nebraska and MAC contention still in reach for Akron, tonight’s clash is more than a tune-up—it’s an inflection point for both programs as September gains steam.