Frankfurt Galaxy sign quarterback Zach Calzada in bid to revive playoff push
The Frankfurt Galaxy have made a major move with just two games remaining in the regular season, signing quarterback Zach Calzada following the departure of Ethan Garbers. The former Texas A&M, Incarnate Word, and Kentucky signal-caller now faces the challenge of helping Frankfurt keep its European Football Alliance playoff hopes alive.
Fresh start under center
The quarterback change comes just days after the Galaxy parted ways with Garbers following a 61-41 loss to the Raiders Tirol.
Calzada is expected to join the team immediately and begin learning the offense ahead of a critical stretch run. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, the 25-year-old from Buford, Georgia, arrives with experience against top-level college competition and a résumé that includes stops at three prominent programs.
For Frankfurt, the hope is that a new face under center can provide a spark as the race for the EFA BIG4 Playoff Weekend enters its final weeks.
College career highlighted by signature win
Calzada first gained national attention at Texas A&M, where he became the starting quarterback in 2021 after an injury to Haynes King.
His defining moment came against then-No. 1 Alabama, when he completed 21 of 31 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns in a stunning 41-38 victory over a team quarterbacked by Bryce Young.
During his time at Texas A&M, Calzada threw for 2,185 yards with 17 touchdown passes and nine interceptions before continuing his college career elsewhere.
His best season came at Incarnate Word in 2024. Calzada threw for 3,791 yards and 35 touchdowns while tossing only nine interceptions, leading the program to a conference championship and the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. His performance earned him Southland Conference Player of the Year honors and an honorable mention as an AP All-American.
After transferring to Kentucky, he was unable to match that production, and a brief stint with the Ottawa Redblacks also came to an end after only a few weeks.
Big challenge ahead
Calzada won’t have much time to settle in.
Learning a new playbook, developing chemistry with his receivers and taking command of an offense in the middle of the season is a difficult assignment for any quarterback.
It’s also worth noting that Frankfurt’s struggles this season weren’t solely under center. Garbers was among the EFA’s most productive quarterbacks, throwing for 1,758 yards, 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions in eight games while adding 308 rushing yards. He also earned weekly MVP honors after the win over the Paris Musketeers and threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns against the Raiders Tirol despite the loss.
The Galaxy believe Calzada has the experience and talent to make an immediate impact. With only two regular-season games left, they’ll be counting on him to do exactly that as they continue their push for a postseason berth.
