Akron Zips football coach Joe Moorhead stated the team is in 'discovery mode' following their 15th spring practice ahead of the 2026 season. The team participated in a Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium, featuring a scrimmage without a score being kept.
Key points
Joe Moorhead is the head coach of the Akron Zips football team.
The team completed their 15th spring practice on April 25.
Players wore practice uniforms with helmets and pads during the showcase.
No score was kept during the scrimmage at the Spring Showcase.
Akron football players wore practice uniforms with helmets and pads Saturday as they took part in a Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium.
No score was kept as the offense played against the defense. Touchdowns were scored, extra point and field goal kicks were converted, tackles were made and a few turnovers happened, too, in a scrimmage.
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger fires off a pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ safety Terence Thomas hangs on to running back Jordan Gant during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Q&A
What did Joe Moorhead say about the Akron Zips' spring practices?
Joe Moorhead described the team as being in 'discovery mode' after completing their 15th spring practice.
When is the Akron Zips football team's 2026 season starting?
The specific start date for the Akron Zips' 2026 football season has not been provided in the article.
What activities took place during the Akron Zips Spring Showcase?
During the Spring Showcase, the offense and defense scrimmaged, scoring touchdowns and converting extra points and field goals, while also experiencing turnovers.
Where was the Akron Zips Spring Showcase held?
The Spring Showcase was held at InfoCision Stadium.
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Zipsâ quarterback Brayden Roggow looks to pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipâs quarterback Reese Poffenbarger looks over plays with head coach Joe Moorhead during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ quarterback Semaj Beals looks to pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ wide receiver Kyan Mason looks to pick up yardage after a catch during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ wide receiver Kyan Mason leaps for a reception during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ running back Sean Patrick runs for yardage as offensive lineman Amarie Archer blocks during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ running back Sean Patrick is stopped by defensive back Mehki Flowers during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger passes as defensive lineman Cyrus Durham closes in during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ wide receiver Kyan Mason runs back a kick off return during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger hands off to running back Sean Patrick during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger scrambles out of the pocket as he looks to pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ quarterback Johnny Brookhart signals a play from the sideline during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ cornerback Zach Hobson and offensive lineman Cyrus Durham get set for a play during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ offensive lineman Colin Lyons blocks offensive lineman Cyrus Durham during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ head coach Joe Moorhead watches as his team runs a play during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ wide receivers assistant coach JD Brookhart goes over plays with wide receiver Kyan Mason during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ wide receivers assistant coach JD Brookhart watches a play during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zipsâ head coach Joe Moorhead watches his team during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
Zips linebacker defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar huddles with his players during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger fires off a pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger fires off a pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ safety Terence Thomas hangs on to running back Jordan Gant during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Brayden Roggow looks to pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipâs quarterback Reese Poffenbarger looks over plays with head coach Joe Moorhead during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Semaj Beals looks to pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ wide receiver Kyan Mason looks to pick up yardage after a catch during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ wide receiver Kyan Mason leaps for a reception during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ running back Sean Patrick runs for yardage as offensive lineman Amarie Archer blocks during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ running back Sean Patrick is stopped by defensive back Mehki Flowers during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger passes as defensive lineman Cyrus Durham closes in during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ wide receiver Kyan Mason runs back a kick off return during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger hands off to running back Sean Patrick during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Reese Poffenbarger scrambles out of the pocket as he looks to pass during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ quarterback Johnny Brookhart signals a play from the sideline during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ cornerback Zach Hobson and offensive lineman Cyrus Durham get set for a play during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ offensive lineman Colin Lyons blocks offensive lineman Cyrus Durham during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ head coach Joe Moorhead watches as his team runs a play during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ wide receivers assistant coach JD Brookhart goes over plays with wide receiver Kyan Mason during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ wide receivers assistant coach JD Brookhart watches a play during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zipsâ head coach Joe Moorhead watches his team during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
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Akron Zips football play at the Spring Showcase at InfoCision Stadium
Zips linebacker defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar huddles with his players during the University of Akron Zips football Spring Showcase in Akron, Ohio on April 25, 2026.
The Akron Beacon Journal spoke with Moorhead after the scrimmage, and asked him his thoughts on the team.
âOur three goals as a team heading into the spring were, No. 1, develop an identity and we wanted that to be based on our preparation, our physicality, our precision and our persistence,â Moorhead said. âNo. 2, we wanted to do a great job attacking situational football, explosive plays, [forcing] turnovers, third down, red zone and then special teams. And lastly and most importantly, we needed to improve every practice. As an individual, as a position group, as a side of the ball and as a team, we needed to step off the field better than we stepped on it.
"I think for the most part, outside of a couple days that were up and down, we really took the positive steps forward and were able to achieve those goals.â
Akron Zips quarterback Reese Poffenbarger look over plays with coach Joe Moorhead during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
Akron Zips quarterback Reese Poffenbarger look over plays with coach Joe Moorhead during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
Moorhead said the Zips are "going to end up replacing roughly 40 scholarship players of our 85" because of players graduating or transferring. Three of Akron's top returning players are running back Jordan Gant, wide receiver Marcel Williams and defensive lineman Cyrus Durham.
Moorhead said Akron has 82 players on scholarship, with three spots to fill.
Here are five other takeaways from Moorhead on the Zips, who open the season Sept. 3 at Wake Forest, Sept. 12 at home against Robert Morris, Sept. 19 at Minnesota and Sept. 26 at home versus UNLV. Kickoff times are to be determined.
Akron Zips safety Terence Thomas tackles running back Jordan Gant during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
Akron Zips safety Terence Thomas tackles running back Jordan Gant during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
What do you think about Akron's offense after 15 spring football practices?
âI am excited about the offense,â Moorhead said. âWe lost Ben Finley to graduation, we returned all of our running backs, lost [wide receiver] Israel Polk to Oklahoma State, [tight end] Jake Newell to Toledo and four linemen with a ton of production â Keylen Davis to Pitt, Maasai King to Iowa State, Kenneth McManus IV to Auburn and Delvin Morris to Kansas State.
â⊠We've made a ton of progress over 15 opportunities this spring. Obviously, lost a bunch of good players to either graduation or the portal, and brought some guys in at mid-year. I think over the course of 15 practices, we took a lot of positive steps.
Akron Zips quarterback Reese Poffenbarger hands off to running back Sean Patrick during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
Akron Zips quarterback Reese Poffenbarger hands off to running back Sean Patrick during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
âMarcel Williams is a returning all-league player. Jordan Gant is a 1,000 yard rusher. Colin Lyons is a guy on the offensive line that's been really steady along with Allen Jones Jr., and I think Reese Poffenbarger, the quarterback we brought in from North Texas, has done a really nice job.â
Poffenbarger has previously been at Old Dominion, Albany, Miami (Florida) and North Texas.
Akron Zips offensive lineman Colin Lyons blocks defensive lineman Cyrus Durham during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
Akron Zips offensive lineman Colin Lyons blocks defensive lineman Cyrus Durham during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
What do you think about Akron's defense after 15 spring football practices?
âHit hard again. Lost [linemen] Bruno Dall to UCF and Julien Laventure to Texas Tech, a couple linebackers, Elijah Reed to Utah, so same thing. In this portal era, you have to be prepared for attrition and bringing guys in, but I think we're young at a couple places, but I think the defense is like the offense and took some positive steps forward.
â⊠On the defensive front, Ronald Hull as an interior defensive tackle, and Cyrus Durham did the best job this spring. Linebacker is really a complete position battle with Gage Summers leaving, and then we lost Melvin Spriggs to the portal [and Southern Mississippi], Markus Boswell to the portal [and Texas] and Rich Benenge to the portal [and Albany], so there's really good competition there. Kind of the same thing at defensive back. Mehki Flowers is playing well, Aamii Branch is playing well, Terence Thomas is playing well and we are getting Catrell White back and healthy.â
Central Michiganâs Elijah Rikard pushes Akronâs Marcel Williams out of bounds during the Zips homecoming at InfoCision Stadium on Oct. 4, 2025.
Central Michiganâs Elijah Rikard pushes Akronâs Marcel Williams out of bounds during the Zips homecoming at InfoCision Stadium on Oct. 4, 2025.
What do you think about Akron's special teams after 15 spring football practices?
âMatt Schramm returns as the kicker and heâs in a nice position battle with Aidan Stire,â Moorhead said. âJoey Castle is coming back as our punter. He is returning and doing a good job, and then we have a couple long snappers battling there. We are still looking to bring in one or two bodies to help in the position battles [on special teams].â
Akron Zips running back Sean Patrick is stopped by defensive back Mehki Flowers during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
Akron Zips running back Sean Patrick is stopped by defensive back Mehki Flowers during UA's Spring Showcase on April 25, 2026, in Akron.
Which positions on the Akron football team have the most experience?
âOffensively, our deepest and I think most talented positions are running back and wideout,â Moorhead said. âYou have Jordan Gant as your starter and a returning 1,000-yard rusher, and then behind him is Sean Patrick, who technically until he got hurt, was a starter and was having a heck of a season. He's had a really nice spring. And then Marquese Williams, the transfer from Minnesota, and then Taven Curry [a transfer from UAB and Louisiana-Monroe], we are essentially four-deep there with guys who could go in and play high level football.
âMarcel Williams coming back at wide receiver is an all-league guy, like Gant. That is our two returning all-league guys on offense. Kyan Mason played a lot of really good football for us last year. ⊠Cameron Monteiro played some. Luke Sivon played a little bit at the end of the year, and then we got a couple transfers, one from Old Dominion [Titus Myers], one from Charlotte [Miles Burris] and then a junior college kid [Gentz Hilburn]. At tight end, we have Conner Cravaack. Conner played a ton last year, and we brought in a junior college kid [Elijah Alexander] and a transfer from Michigan State [Wyatt Hook].â
Kent State quarterback Dru Deshields (12) is sacked by Akron Zips defensive lineman Ronald Hull (5) during the Wagon Wheel Rivalry game Nov. 11, 2025, in Akron.
Kent State quarterback Dru Deshields (12) is sacked by Akron Zips defensive lineman Ronald Hull (5) during the Wagon Wheel Rivalry game Nov. 11, 2025, in Akron.
Which positions on the Akron football team have the least experience?
âWe have two guys who started games on the offensive line, but the rest of it is probably the least experienced,â Moorhead said. âOur defensive line, outside of Cyrus, Ronald and Jon'Trell Mixon, to a certain extent, is inexperienced. The least experienced position on the defense is linebacker and it is not close. We don't have a guy that started a game at that position right now.â
Moorhead added defensive lineman Kiawan Murphy and defensive back Ben Kamara transferred to Western Kentucky and North Dakota, respectively.
Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.
