Akron Zips football team pivots to 'QB3' Brayden Roggow

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Akron Zips football team pivots to 'QB3' Brayden Roggow

Michael Beaven, Akron Beacon Journal

Sun, Sep 27, 2026 ·

6 min read

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The University of Akron football team is "down to QB3" as it ends the month of September and prepares to start its Mid-American Conference slate of games.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Brayden Roggow delivered mixed results in a 38-10 loss to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 26, at InfoCision Stadium.

Roggow made his first collegiate start against UNLV with Cibastian Broughton sidelined with an injury and Reese Poffenbarger still dealing with NCAA eligibility issues.

UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) scrambles with the ball during the game against Akron Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Former Akron Zips head coach Jim Dennison and the 1976 Akron Zips football team are honored in the end zone of Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow (6) looks downfield during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

UNLV wide receiver Taz Reddicks (2) makes a touchdown catch during the game against Akron Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

UNLV running back Jai'Den Thomas (9) runs through a pair of Akron defenders on a rushing play during the game against the Akron Zips on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

UNLV wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons (8) is wrapped up after a catch during the game against Akron Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow (6) looks to throw the ball during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron wide receiver Brandon Hills (8) runs with the ball during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron wide receiver Brandon Hills (8) goes to make a catch during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron Zips head coach Joe Moorhead coaches up Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow on the sideline during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron wide receiver Marcel Williams (2) runs with the ball after a catch during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow (6) looks for an open receiver during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Images of former University of Akron head football coach Jim Dennison are shown on the scoreboard as part of a special celebration honoring the 1976 Zips football team.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

A photo of Akron Zips head football coach Jim Dennison and the three team captains of the 1976 team was placed on the field by a former player during a ceremony honoring the team during the Akron vs. UNLV football game Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron wide receiver Brandon Hills (8) goes to catch a kickoff return during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Members of the 1976 University of Akron Zips football team were honored on the field during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow (6) hands the ball off to Akron running back Jordan Gant (6) during a game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

The University of Akron Zips take the field for a contest against the visiting UNLV Rebels on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Members of the 1976 University of Akron Zips football team pose with Akron mascot Zippy before being honored on the field at the end of the first quarter during Saturday’s game against UNLV at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

The score of the 1976 football game between the University of Akron Zips and the UNLV Rebels is shown on the scoreboard during the first quarter of Saturday’s game on September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron running back Jordan Gant (1) runs down the sideline to score the first touchdown of the game during a game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Highlights from the 1976 University of Akron Zips football game against UNLV were shown on the scoreboard during the current Akron Zips vs. UNLV Rebels football game Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

UNLV running back Jai'Den Thomas (9) is brought down by an Akron defender early in the game Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) scrambles with the ball during a game against the University of Akron Zips on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

The Akron Zips marching band drum major catches his baton during pregame before Saturday’s game against UNLV at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Members of the 1976 University of Akron Zips football team watch the game from the sideline before being honored on the field during the game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips mascot “Zippy” hypes up the university student section during a game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow (6) and Akron running back Jordan Gant (1) come together to celebrate in the end zone after Gant’s touchdown run during a game against UNLV Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron defensive back Tairan Davis Jr. (29) goes to tackle UNLV wide receiver Peyton Zachary (82) during a game Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron defensive tackle Jalen Williams (55) goes to block UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold’s (11) pass at the line of scrimmage during a game Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron running back Jordan Gant (1) sheds UNLV defensive end Andre Porter (42) on a huge play during a game Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Infocision Stadium in Akron, OH.
(Nicholas McLaughlin,Special for the Akron Beacon Journal)

"I obviously didn't play well enough to win, but I think obviously that's a really good UNLV team," Roggow said. "They did a lot of different things. Some we were really prepared for and they brought a lot of new stuff that we maybe haven't seen.

"So, I think it was just adjusting after the first couple drives and then really just trying to put drives together that we ended up either shooting ourselves in the foot or making a mistake that didn't lead to points. I think we have a lot to learn from, but there was a lot of good, too."

Roggow completed 14 of 25 passes for 194 yards with two interceptions. Cam Santee recorded the first interception, and Mumu Bin-Wahad had the second and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown as UNLV outscored Akron 24-0 in the second half.

"Down to QB3, which, hey, there's no free agent wire," Akron coach Joe Moorhead said. "So, we have who we have. Next man in, and he had his opportunity. First career start and, quite frankly, I thought he was playing fairly well, particularly in the first half when we were a little bit more balanced and were able to kind of mix up the run and the pass.

"When we got down and it turned into more of a need to throw it situation here, we struggled some in protection and accuracy and they got him off his spot with some pressure there. So, I'd say the positives were the first half, made some big-time throws. I'd say the negatives were we can't turn the ball over and take sacks, and then we got to stay poised in the pocket."

University of Akron Zips coach Joe Moorhead talks to quarterback Brayden Roggow on the sideline during a game against UNLV on Sept. 26, 2026, at InfoCision Stadium in Akron.

Roggow was sacked three times, once apiece by Tre Fulton, Elias Rudolph and Andre Porter.

"They're a very good football team when they get it rolling in their run game and RPOs," UNLV coach Dan Mullen said of the Zips. "That's their strength. But as soon as we got a lead and we started slamming the door, not giving up the 5- and 6-yard runs, now they become a pass team, and it was great to see guys make plays when Akron had to become a pass team."

Roggow completed 2 of 4 passes for 12 yards during Akron's opening drive that concluded with Jordan Gant's 12-yard touchdown run.

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow (6) hands the ball off to running back Jordan Gant (6) during a game against UNLV on Sept. 26, 2026, at InfoCision Stadium in Akron.

"That was definitely a positive," Moorhead said. "Once again, relying on the opening script, and they had presented in a couple different styles of defense in the first three games, so we weren't quite sure what we were going to get. Put it together, mixed the run and the pass. We were a beneficiary of a personal foul penalty."

Roggow said: "The emphasis all week was to come out fast."

"I think we did that. I think we had a great plan all week, and to come out and score on the first drive against obviously a really good team and really good defense was big for our momentum," Roggow said.

Akron's second drive was promising as the ball reached UNLV's 24-yard line, but Gant threw an interception to Fulton. Roggow connected with Miles Burris on a 15-yard pass during the drive and Sean Patrick had four carries for 36 yards.

"Quite frankly, the second drive was the same and should have ended in the end zone with, like I said, the X receiver on the double pass," Moorhead said. "He was 15 yards behind everyone and we got to execute the base fundamentals and techniques of that play."

Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow (6) looks to throw during a game against UNLV on Sept. 26, 2026, at InfoCision Stadium in Akron.

Roggow has played in all four of Akron's games this season. He has completed 38 of 63 passes for 425 passes, two touchdowns and two interceptions, and has one rushing TD.

Roggow appeared in one game in 2024, against Ohio State, and completed 1 of 2 passes for nine yards and an interception. He played in three games in 2025 and completed 11 of 17 passes for 91 yards. One of the games was against Toledo when he backed up Michael Johnson Jr. after starter Ben Finley was a late scratch shortly before kickoff because of personal reasons.

"A message coach Moorhead and [quarterbacks] coach [Michael] Shuster have always just preached to our room is prepare like the starter even if you're not," Roggow said. "So, I feel like that's something that I've done every week, just being ready whenever it's going to happen because you truly never know. And I think that kind of goes back to Toledo last year. I didn't think I was going to play in that game and, looking back, probably didn't prepare the way that a starter would.

"So, I think after that game, I kind of just flipped the script and just said 'every game you have to prepare like you're the starter every week.' And then this week, obviously being the guy, Reese really helped me out a lot just about the stuff he's done, the stuff that Drew Mestemaker and Cam Ward have done. We were in here for hours every day, just preparing and just trying to give me the best chance to play successful."

Akron Zips quarterback Cibastian Broughton reacts to an injury that forced him out of a game against Minnesota on Sept. 19, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Update on Akron quarterback Cibastian Broughton

Moorhead said Broughton is dealing with a "lower body" injury.

"Like all of us in the world [he's] day-to-day, but more likely week-to-week," Moorhead said. "We're hoping that he's able to do something this week, but I am unsure based on the communication we're getting from the sports medicine staff. So, hopefully this week, but nothing certain."

UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold looks to pass against the Akron Zips on Sept. 26, 2026, at InfoCision Stadium in Akron.

UNLV playmakers carve up Akron's defense

UNLV's Jackson Arnold , Jai'Den Thomas and Taz Reddicks gave Akron fits all game.

Arnold completed 17 of 29 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas ran for 113 yards and a TD on 15 carries, and had three catches for 54 yards and two TDs. Reddicks contributed four catches for 116 yards.

UNLV running back Jai'Den Thomas (9) runs through two Akron defenders Sept. 26, 2026, at InfoCision Stadium in Akron.

"Heading into the game, we told the team that this Thomas kid is probably the best back that we'll see all season regardless of level," Moorhead said. "He averaged 7.5 yards a carry [Saturday]. Didn't have one [carry] for a loss, so he was as advertised.

"We pointed out the Reddicks kid as the potential game-wrecker at receiver. ... That's the Oregon State transfer, and then both of their quarterbacks are Power Four transfers. Arnold had 18 career starts in the SEC coming from Oklahoma and Auburn and then Alex [Orji], [started three games] at Michigan ."

Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal and is on Twitter at @MBeavenABJ .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zips football team pivots to 'QB3' Brayden Roggow

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Akron Zips football team pivots to 'QB3' Brayden Roggow

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

See Akron Zips football in action vs UNLV

Update on Akron quarterback Cibastian Broughton

UNLV playmakers carve up Akron's defense