Toledo Football: A History of Success

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Greetings, football enthusiasts! If you\’re looking for a journey into the rich history and legacy of a storied gridiron program, then welcome aboard. The University of Toledo Rockets have etched their name into the annals of college football, boasting a storied tradition that spans decades. Join us as we delve into the annals of Toledo Football, celebrating their triumphs, honoring their legends, and exploring the remarkable impact they\’ve made on the sport.

Toledo Football History

Early Success

The history of Toledo Football dates back to 1895, when the university\’s first football team took the field. The team played its first game against Findlay College on October 12, 1895, and won by a score of 26 to 0. In the early years of the program, the team was known as the Rockets, a name that was chosen by a student vote. Although the modern Rockets have a more distinctive shade of red, in the early years, they wore maroon and white. The Rockets enjoyed some early success, including a 7-1 record in 1901 and a 9-1 record in 1907. In 1921, the Rockets made their first bowl game appearance, playing in the Bacardi Bowl in Havana, Cuba. The Rockets lost the game to Centre College by a score of 20 to 10.

One of the most successful coaches in Toledo football history was Clair Dunn, who coached the Rockets from 1925 to 1933. Dunn led the Rockets to a 66-26-10 record during his tenure, including a 10-0 record in 1930. Under Dunn\’s leadership, the Rockets won three Mid-American Conference championships and made two bowl game appearances. Following Dunn\’s departure, Toledo football went through a period of decline, and the Rockets did not have another winning season until 1947.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Rockets experienced a resurgence under the leadership of coach Frank Lauterbur. Lauterbur led the Rockets to four Mid-American Conference championships and three bowl game appearances during his tenure. In 1970, the Rockets won their first bowl game, defeating Bowling Green in the Tangerine Bowl. Lauterbur left Toledo after the 1974 season, and the Rockets again went through a period of decline.

Toledo Football Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Jason Candle

Jason Candle has served as the Head Coach of the Toledo Rockets since 2015. Under his leadership, the team has achieved significant success, including their first-ever Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship in 2017. Candle is widely recognized for his innovative coaching style and ability to motivate his players to perform at their highest potential.

Prior to his role at Toledo, Candle served as the Offensive Coordinator for the Rockets from 2012 to 2014. During that period, the team\’s offense became one of the most prolific in the MAC, ranking among the top 10 in the nation in several offensive categories.

Candle\’s coaching resume also includes stints as the Offensive Coordinator at Bowling Green State University and the Quarterbacks Coach at Mount Union College. He is known for his expertise in developing quarterbacks and his ability to create dynamic offensive schemes that maximize the talents of his players.

Under Candle\’s guidance, the Toledo Rockets have become a perennial contender in the MAC. They have won or shared the MAC West Division title four times since 2015, and have made six bowl game appearances during that span.

Toledo Football Notable Players

The University of Toledo has produced a number of notable football players who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL. Among them are:

Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt is one of the most decorated running backs to come out of Toledo. He played for the Rockets from 2013-2016 and was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. He was also selected to the First Team All-MAC in 2014 and 2015. Hunt rushed for over 1,000 yards in both 2014 and 2015 and scored a total of 44 touchdowns during his time at Toledo. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. Hunt has since played for the Cleveland Browns and is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins.

Hunt is known for his exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness. He is also a talented receiver out of the backfield. Hunt has rushed for over 3,500 yards and scored 35 touchdowns in his NFL career.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Hunt has also been recognized for his off-field contributions. He was named the recipient of the NFL\’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2018 for his work with various charities and community organizations.

Glass Bowl Stadium

The Glass Bowl Stadium, also known as the Glass Bowl, is the home of the University of Toledo Rockets football team. It is located on campus and was dedicated in 1960. Its unique name derives from the large glass panels that encircle the stadium\’s seating bowl, providing spectators with an unobstructed view of the field regardless of their location.

The Glass Bowl has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to enhance the fan experience and accommodate growing demand for tickets. In 1995, a press box was added to the stadium, providing journalists and broadcasters with a dedicated space for covering games. In 2009, the stadium underwent a major renovation that included the installation of new seating, the addition of luxury suites, and the expansion of the concourses. Today, the Glass Bowl has a capacity of 26,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in the Mid-American Conference.

Beyond its impressive size and amenities, the Glass Bowl holds a special place in the hearts of Toledo football fans. The stadium has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in program history, including the Rockets\’ first bowl game victory in the 1995 Las Vegas Bowl. The Glass Bowl has also been a stage for countless thrilling regular season contests, as the Rockets have consistently ranked among the top teams in the MAC.

In addition to hosting University of Toledo football games, the Glass Bowl has also played host to a variety of other events throughout its history. The stadium has hosted concerts, soccer matches, and even motocross competitions. The Glass Bowl has also been the site of the annual Glass City Marathon finish line since 2005.

The Glass Bowl Stadium remains an iconic landmark in Toledo and a source of pride for the University of Toledo community. It is a place where memories are made, victories are celebrated, and the spirit of competition thrives.

Toledo Football Rivalries

Miami of Ohio

The Battle of the Bell is a 120-year-old rivalry between the University of Toledo Rockets and the Miami University RedHawks. The rivalry is centered around the traveling Victory Bell trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the annual football game between the two schools. The game is played at alternating venues, with each school hosting every other year. Miami leads the series with a record of 62-44-9.

The rivalry began in 1899, when Miami defeated Toledo 17-0 in Oxford, Ohio. The first game between the two schools was played in 1895, but it was not until 1900 that the Victory Bell was introduced as the trophy for the winner of the game. The bell was originally used as a dinner bell at the Miami University campus, and it was first awarded to Toledo after the Rockets defeated the RedHawks 18-0 in 1900.

The Battle of the Bell is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. The game is always played with a high level of intensity, and the trophy is a highly coveted prize for both schools. The rivalry has been featured on national television several times, and it is always one of the most anticipated games on the Toledo and Miami schedules.