Akron Zips 2026 Preview
Akron went 5-7 (4-4 in the MAC). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for Akron in 2026
- Starting QB from last season is gone. North Texas transfer Reese Poffenbarger is expected to start (36 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs in 2025; 3,614 yards, 36 TDs, 13 INTs in 2023 with Albany)
- Jordan Gant returns at RB after a junior season of 1,032 yards and 6 TDs
- Top player in terms of receiving yards from last season returns in Marcel Williams (641 yards, 2 TDs)
- Returning three starting offensive lineman that allowed 35 sacks in 2025 (122nd in CFB) with two transfers expected to start
- 2025 PPG/YPG: 19.6 ppg (114th out of 136), 340.9 ypg (96th out of 136)
- Returning three starters on defense, with the top returner being CB Alex Branch (34 tackles). Four transfers are expected to start
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Akron Zips 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wake Forest | Away |
| 2 | Robert Morris | Home |
| 3 | Minnesota | Away |
| 4 | UNLV | Home |
| 5 | Central Michigan | Away |
| 6 | Eastern Michigan | Home |
| 7 | Miami (OH) | Away |
| 8 | Kent State | Away |
| 9 | Ohio | Home |
| 10 | Western Michigan | Home |
| 11 | UMass | Away |
| 12 | Buffalo | Home |
Get the printable Akron Zips 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More MAC previews
Related reading
Akron Zips betting FAQ
Akron Zips play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Wake Forest. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Akron is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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