What was supposed to be a fun marketing idea for Akron football has quickly turned into a controversy across college football social media.
The Zips launched a contest granting one fan the opportunity to serve as the team’s “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” and assist in scripting the opening drive of Akron’s Sept. 12 home opener. However, the announcement of the finalists drew swift backlash, with fans alleging the drawing favored high-profile media personalities.
Akron OC Contest Has CFB Fans Talking
According to The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, Akron’s finalist pool included prominent figures from digital media.
Among the nominees was Dan “Big Cat” Katz of Barstool Sports, who purchased multiple season tickets to earn additional entries under the official rules. Popular EA Sports College Football creator James Bordeaux also emerged as a finalist after increasing his entry count through ticket purchases and fan referrals.
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The university originally planned to feature 10 finalists, but one contestant withdrew prior to the official announcement, leaving nine contenders.
Analyst Grant expressed frustration over the outcome, arguing that everyday supporters were sidelined in favor of established media figures.
“I want a refund, rigged [expletive] celebrity contest. It wasn’t about the normal people; it’s about famous people to boost them up. The people wanna see a 20-something college kid or a 30-year-old dad and get an experience of their lifetime, not famous people,” he said.
One fan took a more sarcastic approach, pointing out the obvious promotional value of having recognizable names involved.
“Ah yes. Coincidentally, it’s two people with a social media following that will create buzz around Akron. Shocker.”
Ah yes. Coincidentally it’s two people with a social media following that will create buzz around Akron. Shocker
— Hunter (@Huntergas45) August 19, 2026
Ryder Analytics also joked about Big Cat’s involvement.
Not everyone viewed the situation in a negative light, though. Lando argued, “Big Cat and Barstool have millions of followers that would make a big deal, promoting and doing extra stuff leading up to the game that a random kid simply wouldn’t build half the hype. If Akron was smart, they would rig it.”
Some fans chose to mock the idea of Big Cat being involved at all. One joked, “Big Cat doesn’t even know who Reese Poffenbarger is.”
Big Cat doesn’t even know who Reese Poffenbarger is
— TexasSt/Pitt fan (@HtownPitttxst2) August 20, 2026
Another fan was even more skeptical, saying, “Yeah, two people who have a big following, shocking. A dude who lies about where he’s from and is a fake fan of an NFL team.”
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The reactions continued across social media, with some fans questioning whether the contest was really about rewarding supporters or creating publicity for the program.
Akron’s athletic department has said it played no part in the selection.
“Akron said the school of accounting did the drawing, had nothing to do with athletics, and they repeated that when announcing Big Cat, fwiw. Big Cat has said he bought eight season tickets, which would increase those chances.” Vannini noted.
Because the contest rules awarded an entry for every season ticket purchased or referred, Big Cat’s bulk ticket purchase significantly shifted the statistical odds in his favor.
While this campaign drove a notable surge in season-ticket sales, the university now balances online publicity against local fan sentiment ahead of its home opener.
