Akron Football at a Crossroads: Can the Zips Turn the Season Around?
Denver Co – The University of Akron football program has reached a critical point in its 2026 season. After showing signs of progress a year ago, expectations were that the Zips could take another step forward under head coach Joe Moorhead. Instead, Akron enters its upcoming matchup against Eastern Michigan with a 1-4 overall record, an 0-1 record in Mid-American Conference play, and a three-game losing streak that has raised serious questions about the direction of the program. Akron finished the 2025 season 5-7 overall and 4-4 in conference play. The Zips went 3-3 at home and 2-4 on the road while finishing sixth in the Mid-American Conference. Although five wins were not enough to earn a winning season, the results gave Akron something to build on. With another offseason under Moorhead and several experienced players returning or joining the roster, there was reason to believe 2026 could bring improvement. So far, that has not happened. Through five games, Akron is 1-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Zips have lost three consecutive games, and one of the biggest concerns has been the defense. Akron has surrendered more than 35 points in each game during the three-game losing streak. When opponents consistently move the football and put that many points on the scoreboard, questions have to be asked about both execution and coaching. One area that deserves particular attention is the defensive line. Assistant coach Garrett Mack works with Akron's defensive line, and the unit's ability to create pressure should be examined as the Zips search for answers. If opposing quarterbacks are consistently given time to operate, Akron's secondary and the rest of the defense are placed in difficult situations. That also raises questions about Akron's defensive-line rotation.
Senior defensive tackle Vaughn Highland is one player whose role deserves a closer look. Highland brought experience and production with him before joining Akron. During the 2025 season, he appeared in 12 games and recorded 38 total tackles, including 23 solo tackles and 15 assisted tackles. He also recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, and forced a fumble. Highland posted a career-high six tackles against Alabama State. During the 2024 season at Southern Connecticut State, Highland appeared in seven games and recorded eight tackles, including three solo tackles and five assisted tackles. He also finished with 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Those numbers make Highland's usage worth questioning. When a defense is struggling to stop opponents and generate pressure, why isn't an experienced senior defensive tackle receiving more opportunities? Highland alone isn't going to fix Akron's defense. Football doesn't work that way. Eleven players have responsibilities on every defensive snap, and problems can come from missed assignments, poor tackling, coverage breakdowns, a lack of pressure, or several issues happening at once. Still, when a team has surrendered more than 35 points in three straight losses, every personnel combination should be evaluated. The same questions can be raised about Malicah Ross, No. 94, and Jaden Brown, No. 99. If Akron has healthy defensive linemen available who could provide fresh legs and additional pressure, why aren't they receiving larger roles in the rotation? There is also the situation involving JD Williams, No. 55. If Williams is playing through a wrist or hand injury, Akron's coaching staff must determine whether keeping him on the field is better for the team than giving additional snaps to healthy players on the bench. The extent of Williams' injury and the medical information surrounding it are matters known primarily by the program, so it would be unfair to assume exactly how limited he may be. However, if an injury is affecting his ability to perform, Akron has to consider whether its depth can be used more effectively. These aren't questions about one individual player. They are questions about whether Akron is maximizing the talent available on its roster. The offense isn't exempt from scrutiny either. Wide receiver Marcel Williams, No. 2, is a player Akron should look to involve more consistently. When an offense is struggling to find rhythm, getting the football into the hands of its playmakers becomes even more important. Williams could benefit from additional targets and designed opportunities that allow him to make plays in space. Running back Gant, No. 1, is another offensive weapon who should be more heavily involved. Whether through carries, short passes, screens, or other designed touches, Akron has to find ways to put the football in the hands of players capable of changing a game. When a team loses three consecutive games, adjustments become necessary. Continuing to operate the same way while expecting different results will not solve Akron's problems. That makes Saturday's matchup against Eastern Michigan especially important. Eastern Michigan enters the game 3-3 overall and a perfect 2-0 in MAC play. The Eagles have won two consecutive games and currently carry the momentum Akron desperately needs to rediscover. Eastern Michigan is 2-1 at home and 1-2 on the road, while Akron enters the matchup searching for its first road victory after starting 0-3 away from home. There are still seven games remaining on Akron's schedule, meaning the season is far from over. But the Zips cannot afford to treat their current struggles as something that will simply correct itself. Saturday should provide an opportunity to see whether Moorhead and his coaching staff are willing to make meaningful adjustments. Can the defensive line generate more pressure? Will the rotation change? Will players such as Highland, Ross, and Brown receive additional opportunities? Can Akron get Williams and Gant more involved offensively? Most importantly, can the Zips stop opponents from consistently controlling games?
The answers could help determine much more than the outcome of one Saturday afternoon.
Moorhead and his staff still have time to turn the season around. Seven games provide plenty of opportunities to change the narrative, particularly with conference games carrying additional significance. A few victories could restore confidence and give Akron something positive to build upon. However, if the losses continue and the same problems remain visible each week, the university may eventually face a much larger question: Is the current coaching staff still the right group to lead Akron football forward? Firing coaches five games into a season should not automatically be the answer. College football programs require stability, recruiting, development, and time to establish an identity. Constantly changing leadership can create its own problems. At the same time, progress has to eventually show itself on the field. Akron cannot allow losing to become its identity. The Zips cannot become the program opponents see on the schedule and automatically expect to beat. Moorhead and his staff have seven games remaining to prove this team can respond to adversity and establish a different direction. That opportunity begins against Eastern Michigan. If Akron wins and begins correcting its defensive problems, Saturday could become the starting point of a second-half turnaround. If the Zips continue surrendering points, struggling to create pressure, and leaving potentially impactful players on the sideline, the questions surrounding the coaching staff will only become louder. The season isn't over, but the clock is ticking. For Akron football, the next seven games aren't simply about wins and losses. They could determine what the identity of the program will be—and who will be responsible for building it moving forward.
