Big Kevin Sports

2026 Akron Zips Football Preview and Predictions
By Kevin McAndrews

The 2026 Akron Zips Head Coach Joe Moorhead
Projected Offensive Starters
* QB: Reese Poffenbarger
* RB: Jordan Gant
* WR: Cameron Monteiro
* WR: Marcel Williams
* Slot WR: Kyan Mason
* TE: Conner Cravaack
* LT: Ian Falkner
* LG: Amarie Archer
* C: Colin Lyons
* RG: Carlos Slayden
* RT: Allen Jones Jr.
Projected Defensive Starters
* DE: Cyrus Durham
* NT/DT: Ronald Hull
* DT: Vaughn Highland
* DE: Kurtis Waye
* LB: Dwight Nunoo
* LB: Jeremiah Jones
* LB: Darius Green
* CB: Catrell White
* SS: Daymon David
* FS: Mehki Flowers
* CB: Terence Thomas
* NB: Alex Branch
Specialists
* K: Garrison Smith
* P: Dante Jackson
* LS: Nick Hemer

The biggest change comes at quarterback, where transfer QB Reese Poffenbarger is expected to take over the offense after arriving from North Texas. With Poffenbarger settling into the offense as MAC play begins, I believe the Zips will have the right pieces around him to make a serious push in the conference.

A major key will be running back Jordan Gant, who I believe is poised for a breakout season. If Gant can establish himself as a reliable workhorse, Akron can lean on him and an experienced offensive line to control the clock and run the football in key, close-game situations.

Defensively, the Zips have the potential to be one of the top defenses in the MAC. If that unit continues to improve and the offense finds its rhythm, Akron has a legitimate chance to surprise people around the conference.

After bringing the Wagon Wheel 🛞 back to Akron, I believe this team will continue to come together and finish the season strong with 5 straight wins to return the Football Program to consistent contention for the MAC championship.

9/3 at Wake Forest-L
9/12 vs Robert Morris-W
9/19 at Minnesota-L
9/26 vs UNLV-L
10/3 at Central Michigan-W
10/10 vs Eastern Michigan-L
10/17 at Miami-L
10/24 at Kent State-W
11/3 vs Ohio-W
11/10 vs Western Michigan-W
11/18 at UMass-W
11/27 vs Buffalo (Senior Day)-W
Let’s Go Zips! 🦘
Make The Climb!