University of Toledo
The lights were bright, the music was loud, and the Rockets made sure “The Biggest Party in Toledo” lived up to its billing. Behind a record-setting night for head coach Jason Candle and a career performance from running back Chip Trayanum, Toledo dismantled Western Kentucky 45-21 on Saturday in front of 24,138 at the Glass Bowl.
Candle’s 74th career victory moved him past Gary Pinkel as the program’s all-time leader in wins, a milestone that added an extra layer of emotion to the evening. “Toledo is a special place to me,” Candle said afterward. “To get tonight’s win in front of our home fans and former players made it a great night for me and for our team.”
The Rockets wasted no time providing fireworks. They forced a fumble on the second play from scrimmage and turned it into an early touchdown. Moments later, senior safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren jumped a route and raced 37 yards for a pick-six, staking Toledo to a 14-0 lead before some fans had even found their seats. By halftime, Gleason had connected with Chip Trayanum on a short scoring pass and launched a 71-yard strike to Junior Vandeross III, pushing the lead to 31-7.
From there, it became Trayanum’s show. The Ohio State transfer erupted for a career-high 163 rushing yards on just 14 carries, highlighted by a 75-yard sprint down the sideline on the first play of the second half. He finished with three total touchdowns — two on the ground and one through the air — while Vandeross added 122 receiving yards.
Defensively, Toledo smothered a Hilltoppers offense that entered averaging 400 passing yards per game. WKU quarterback Maverick McIvor was pressured all night, sacked twice, and intercepted once, while the Hilltoppers managed only 59 yards on the ground. McNeil-Warren was the defensive catalyst with his pick-six and a fumble recovery.
Even after Gleason left with an injury late in the second quarter, the Rockets didn’t miss a beat. Backup John Alan Richter came on to toss his first career touchdown, a five-yard strike to tight end Connor Jones that stretched the margin to 45-7. Western Kentucky added a pair of late scores, but the outcome had long since been decided.
For Toledo, it was a night to celebrate past, present, and future — a dominant win, a program milestone, and a statement that the Rockets intend to be a force again in 2025.
Next up is another home date, as Toledo welcomes Morgan State to the Glass Bowl on Sept. 13. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
