On the heels of the University of Akron football team’s most successful season in nearly a decade, the Zips are once again navigating the NCAA transfer portal. The official window for players to enter the portal was open from January 2 to January 16. This marks the fourth year under head coach Joe Moorhead, during which the Zips finished with a 5-7 record in 2025—reaching five wins for the first time since 2017 when they went 7-7. While it remains uncertain whether the program will retain or add enough talent to continue its upward trajectory, the Zips have become accustomed to significant roster turnover.

Key Transfers and New Additions

Several players from the Akron Zips have entered the transfer portal, while others have signed with new programs. Among them is former linebacker Markus Boswell, who committed to Texas. As a freshman last season, Boswell recorded 19 tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He stands at 6 feet, 1 inch and weighs 230 pounds.

Another player leaving the program is offensive lineman Kenneth McManus IV, who also entered the portal. As a freshman, he played in 11 games for the Zips. McManus is listed at 6 feet, 2 inches and 320 pounds.

In contrast, several new players have joined the Zips. Cornerbacks Zach Hobson and Shamar McNeil were added to the roster. Hobson, a senior, had 29 tackles, one tackle for loss, and five pass breakups in 2024 while playing for West Virginia State. He is listed at 6 feet, 3 inches and 195 pounds. McNeil, a redshirt freshman, tallied one tackle and one pass breakup in his first season at Missouri.

Other additions include tight end Wyatt Hook, who played special teams snaps for Michigan State as a redshirt freshman, and quarterback Reese Poffenbarger, who had limited action at North Texas before transferring. Poffenbarger previously played at Miami and Albany, where he showed promise as a passer.

Linebacker Dwight Nunoo, a redshirt junior from Florida International, and offensive lineman Nate Hampton, a freshman from Saint Francis University, both joined the program. Tight end Aidan Stire, a freshman from West Virginia, and cornerback Dawayne Galloway Jr., a freshman from West Virginia, were also added.

The Zips also signed a group of players, including wide receiver Miles Burris, cornerback Caiden Newsome, defensive tackle Vaughn Highland, and defensive end Kurtis Waye. Each brings unique skills to the team, with Highland standing out as a 6-foot-1, 315-pound defensive tackle.

Notable Departures

Several other players have left the program. Cornerback Ben Kamara committed to North Dakota, while offensive lineman Delvin Morris joined Kansas State. Defensive tackle Dimitri Madden and wide receiver Khalil Witherspoon also entered the portal. Additionally, wide receiver Myles Walker, defensive tackle Kiawan Murphy, and defensive end Kam Cheatom all announced their intentions to transfer.

Kicker Owen Wiley and linebacker Rich Benenge also entered the portal, while tight end Max Whisner and defensive end Cyrus Durham reportedly followed suit. Kicker Adam Samaha and defensive end Bruno Dall also committed to new programs, with Dall signing with UCF after earning All-MAC honors.

Wide receiver Israel Polk and defensive end Julien Laventure both committed to Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, respectively. Offensive lineman Keylen Davis joined Pitt, and cornerback Elijah Reed signed with Utah. Offensive lineman Maasai King committed to Iowa State, and offensive lineman Jeremiah Ndaiga signed with New Haven.

New Recruits and Their Backgrounds

Akron also added several players through transfers. Wide receivers Gentz Hilburn and Titus Myers joined the program, with Hilburn coming from Tyler Junior College and Myers from Old Dominion. Hilburn had a strong freshman season, catching 53 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns. Myers, a sophomore, had one catch for 1 yard in 2024 but showed potential in junior college.

Other additions include offensive linemen Ian Falkner, Melvin Puckett, and long snapper Stone Dean, as well as linebacker Jeremiah “Poodah” Jones. Falkner and Puckett bring experience from previous collegiate programs, while Jones has a solid tackling record from Southwestern College.

Final Thoughts

With so many players entering and exiting the program, the future of the Akron Zips football team remains uncertain. However, the program continues to make moves to strengthen its roster, adding talent from various backgrounds and levels of competition. As the season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team’s performance on the field.