REPORT: Akron QB DJ Irons Has Torn ACL

Irons is a redshirt senior with 15 starts at Akron

A bad year looks to be getting worse for the Akron football program.

Following back-to-back overtime losses to Indiana and Buffalo, 1-4 Akron may have a significant loss in their backfield.

On Tuesday evening, The Tailgate Tent, a website dedicated to covering advanced analytics for college football for the purposes of gambling advice, posted on X that they had "received word that Akron QB DJ Irons has a torn ACL and is done for the year."

I've received word that Akron QB DJ Irons has a torn ACL and is done for the year.

Akron will now turn to their backup QB as they approach conference play. Big drop off.

— The Tailgate Tent🏈⛺️ (@TheTailgateTent) October 3, 2023

G5 Football Daily reached out to Akron for comment or confirmation of the report, but calls were not immediately returned. 

During his press conference this week, Akron head coach Joe Moorhead noted that Irons was receiving extensive evaluation for a lower body injury and that backup quarterback Jeff Undercuffler would be ready to start against the Northern Illinois Huskies, if need be. Undercuffler also started for Akron against Northern Illinois in a 44-12 win for the Zips last season.

Irons has completed 88 passes on 133 attempts this year with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 215 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Zips continue their season on Saturday when they host Northern Illinois.

UPDATE: Brett McMurphy of Action Network has confirmed the extent of Irons' injury

Akron QB DJ Irons out for year w/torn ACL, source told @ActionNetworkHQ. Irons had 18 career starts w/Zips. 1st report @TheTailgateTent. Akron might be nation's unluckiest team: in its last 11 games, Akron 2-9 w/loss at No. 20 Kentucky & 7 losses by average of 4 points, 2 in OT

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 4, 2023